Television Act, 1954 (Section 9)

HC Deb 19 April 1961 vol 638 cc1167-8

51. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Postmaster-General on what occasions he has used his powers under Section 9 (1) of the Television Act, 1954.

Mr. Bevins

None, Sir.

Mr. Mayhew

Is the Postmaster-General aware that this Section of the Act gives Ministers power to make announcements in the public interest without charge? In view of that, why do not Ministers apply this for the recruiting commercials and cease spending huge sums of the taxpayers' money, which goes to the programme companies, for services which can be given free.

Mr. Bevins

Because Section 9 (1) of the Television Act refers in terms to announcements. The intention was that the announcements should refer to things of an urgent character, such as police notices, flood warnings, and so forth. I think that it would be wholly inappropriate for the Government to use the power given to them under Section 9 (1) for the purpose of obtaining advertising.