§ 30. Mr. Masonasked the Postmaster-General if he will give an assurance that 485 local broadcasting will not be permitted to develop until the Pilkington Committee has considered its future and made known its recommendations.
§ Mr. BevinsI am at present discussing the B.B.C. 's proposals in regard to local broadcasting with the Corporation. No firm decision has yet been reached. But, in the nature of the case, the Government view must be influenced by the setting up of the Committee.
§ Mr. MasonWill not the right hon. Gentleman answer the Question on the Order Paper and give an assurance that no local broadcasting, either commercial or by the B.B.C., will start before the Pilkington Committee has made its review? Secondly, is the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that there is sufficient local demand from the people for local broadcasting in cities and towns? What steps is he taking to assess feeling in this matter?
§ Mr. BevinsI am in no position to say what the demand for local broadcasting is, but it would be very unfair to give an assurance of the sort asked for by the hon. Gentleman—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]—because I have received the B.B.C.'s proposals, and I have told its chairman that I am prepared to examine them. In those circumstances it would be quite wrong, at this stage, for me to make any announcement until a decision has been made one way or the other.
§ Mr. MasonWill the Minister also tell the House whether he is considering further proposals made to him, especially from a certain quarter of the House?
§ Mr. BevinsI should have thought, in the circumstances of today, that it would be natural and right for the Government to require the advice of the Pilkington Committee on questions concerning major changes before making decisions.