HC Deb 20 July 1960 vol 627 c484
29. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Postmaster-General what communications he has received recently from the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers relating to the future of television; and what replies he has sent.

Mr. Bevins

The Director of the Society wrote to me in May saying that the Society had set up a committee to examine the future of television and to advise the Society, and that it would wish to put its views to any broadcasting committee that was set up. Its request was noted.

Mr. Mayhew

Is the Minister aware that this very powerful committee, including some of the biggest advertisers in the country, has stated that it proposes to lobby him about the future of television from now until 1964? Might it not be better, in their own interests, if advertisers held back a little from these controversial questions and allowed them to be decided on their merits by Parliament and public opinion?

Mr. Bevins

I have looked at the papers, and in fairness to this Society I would point out that the committee which has been set up is to consider the interests of the viewer and consumer as well as of the advertiser. It is a very respectable committee, including the chairman of the Co-operative Society. As for lobbying, I hasten to tell the hon. Member that I am certainly not susceptible to it, from any quarter. I am equally sure that Sir Harry Pilkington is not susceptible to it.