§ 29. Mr. Mayhewasked the Postmaster-General what consultations he has had with the Independent Television Authority under subsection (5) of Section 4 of the Television Act, with a view to banning drug advertisements on Independent Television forthwith.
§ Mr. BevinsNone, Sir.
§ Mr. MayhewIs the Minister aware that the British Medical Association has now confirmed the suspicions of many viewers by stating that a number of medical advertisements on I.T.V. are bogus and misleading, and by recommending a ban on drug advertising on I.T.V.? Why, when the Minister has power to stop this very profitable abuse, does he constantly aid and abet it?
§ Mr. BevinsI am well aware of the advice which the British Medical Association has put to the Pilkington Committee. It is, in the first place, a matter for that Committee to consider, and not for me, but in fairness I should point out that the I.T.A. is governed by the advice of its Advertising Advisory Committee, which includes representatives not only of the British Medical Association but of the British Dental Association, the Pharmaceutical Society and the Ministry of Health. The I.T.A. has repeatedly made it clear to the members of that Committee that if they feel that the standards of advertising are being infringed they should say so to the I.T.A.
§ Mr. W. R. WilliamsAre we to assume from that reply that up to the present, at any rate, the Committee has not shown the same concern about this matter as has the British Medical Association? Secondly, in view of the general concern which is felt about this subject all over the country, does not he think that he should remit this matter specially to the Committee for its examination and reply?
§ Mr. BevinsThe answer to the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question is "Yes". The answer to the second part is that this is the first occasion on which the B.M.A. has expressed this view.