HC Deb 09 March 1960 vol 619 cc408-9
21. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Postmaster-General when he last received a report from his Television Advisory Committee; and when he expects to receive the next report.

Mr. Bevins

Two reports on day to day matters were submitted in August, 1959. On more general issues, the last report was placed in the Commons Library on 25th March, 1959. I hope to get the Committee's report on future technical standards for television and colour quite soon: and I have already promised the House that a copy of it will be placed in the Library.

Mr. Mayhew

Is it not time that we had some answers to some of the very important and urgent technical questions which this Committee is supposed to be deciding? Will the Minister say how often the Committee meets, and whether he is satisfied that a voluntary committee of this kind is the right body to keep under review these very important technical questions?

Mr. Bevins

I am perfectly satisfied that this Committee is doing very good work, and I am satisfied that it meets as often as need be. I am also satisfied that I shall have the report of the Committee very soon.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Committee has published two reports, one in 1953 and the other in 1954? Is it not about time that we had some result from a Committee which has been sitting ever since it was appointed in 1953 to deal with definition and with colour? Will the right hon. Gentleman see that this Committee does get on with its job?

Mr. Bevins

I tried to indicate that before I gave this undertaking to the House—that the report of the Committee will be in my hands, and I will be able to place a copy of it in the Library, at an early date.