§ 29. Mr. C. R. Hobsonasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the continuing dissatisfaction with the application of the rules relating to advertising contained in the Second Schedule to the Television Act, 1954, he will consult with the Independent Television Authority with a view to introducing amending legislation to transfer from the Authority to himself the responsibility for securing compliance with the rules.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonNo, Sir. I do not accept the assumption on which the Question is based.
§ Mr. HobsonAgain, is not this a case in which there is a responsibility on the Postmaster-General to see that the Television Act is complied with, and that the Independent Television Authority does not carry out its functions in complete disregard of that Act? After all, the Authority holds its position at the Postmaster-General's pleasure, and something must be done about it.
§ Mr. ThompsonI do not accept the assumption on which the hon. Member's Question is based but, in fact, the observation of the Television Act is an obligation placed on the Authority by this House.