§ 21. Mr. Benceasked the Postmaster-General what direction he has given to the British Broadcasting Corporation under Article 15 (4) of the Licence and Agreement to refrain from broadcasting programmes which project, by television and sound radio, the taking of alcoholic drinks in plays, films and variety shows, in view of the increasing tendency to include such matter in there entertainments.
§ 28. Mr. George Craddockasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the increasing frequency of scenes of drinking and constant invitations to drink, in the programmes broadcast by both the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Television Authority; and, in view of this emphasis, which is detrimental to the moral fibre of the younger generation, if he will use his powers under Section 15 (4) of the Licence and Agreement and Section 9 (2) of the Television Act, 1954, to require the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Television Authority to refrain from broadcasting programmes including such matters.
§ Mr. BevinsProgramme content is a matter for the broadcasting organizations. No directions on the subject raised by the hon. Members have been issued by me and I see no reason to intervene.
§ Mr. BenceNotwithstanding the fact that it is well known that the liquor used at the B.B.C. is nothing more harmless than cold tea, does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that it is bad continually to project into every 1207 home the practice of inviting a guest or a visitor to have a drink, sometimes before they leave to drive a car?
§ Mr. BevinsNo, Sir. I disagree entirely with the hon. Gentleman. This is a matter for the B.B.C. and for the I.T.A. Both organisations assure me that they watch the alcoholic content, such as it is, of their programmes very carefully.
§ Mr. CraddockWhy will not the Minister use the powers he has under the 1954 Act to protect the public and the younger generation against these continuing unfortunate scenes? Furthermore, may I ask if he will act in this case, because I have received fifty-four complaints from all parts of the country against the recurrent drinking scenes shown by the B.B.C. and the I.T.A.?
§ Mr. BevinsNo, Sir. I do not seriously believe that the moral fibre of the younger generation is in any way weakened when they see an actor on television taking a drink of cold tea or coloured water.
§ 22. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Postmaster-General if he will give a direction under Section 9 (2) of the Television Act, 1954, requiring the authority to refrain from broadcasting programmes which create enmity towards other nations with which the United Kingdom is trying to secure peace, such as "The Invisible Man" series.
§ Mr. BevinsNo, Sir.
§ Mr. AllaunIs the Minister aware that the I.T.A. has now admitted that six of the films in this series have some kind of cold war theme? Is it right that under the guise of entertainment this vicious propaganda, which is produced and slanted with an eye to the sale of films to American T.V. corporations, should be transmitted week after week to millions of unsuspecting homes?
§ Mr. BevinsThe hon. Gentleman's Question suggests that "The Invisible Man" series creates enmity towards other nations. I have myself asked a considerable number of people if this series has that effect on them and they have all looked at me in bewilderment. The fact is that this is a series of spy 1208 stories. They are pure fiction, and how anyone who sees a series featuring an invisible man can regard it as other than fiction, I do not pretend to know.