HC Deb 06 July 1960 vol 626 cc445-6
41. Mr. Boyden

asked the Postmaster-General if he will exercise his powers under Section 15 (4) of the Licence and Agreement to require the British Broadcasting Corporation to refrain from sending any television matter involving a display of violence.

Miss Pike

No, Sir.

Mr. Boyden

Is the hon. Lady satisfied that the B.B.C. exercises adequate scrutiny over programmes of this sort and is not in unhealthy competition with the commercial service?

Miss Pike

I assure the hon. Member that the B.B.C. watches this matter very carefully. Hon. Members will probably be aware of the B.B.C.'s recently published guide note for producers of television programmes. The B.B.C. is well aware of this problem, but it would be helpful if specific difficulties could be brought to its attention.

Mr. Lipton

Is the hon. Lady aware that the other night a television programme showed someone being hanged? Is that the sort of thing which should be encouraged?

Miss Pike

I did not see that programme, but I have heard that it drew a great deal of public comment.