§ Mr. John Parker (Dagenham)In my speech on 15th February, introducing a Bill to prohibit a newspaper proprietor from controlling or investing in any television or broadcasting service, I stated, according to column 1410 of the OFFICIAL REPORT for that date, that many hon. Members had been asked to associate themselves with locally created radio companies, linked with local newspaper companies, to apply for local broadcasting rights if the law were changed. I went on to say that I had been asked to associate myself with the Dagenham Post, in my constituency, for this purpose.
I have since been informed that this approach to myself came from a company associated with another local newspaper. As the Dagenham Post has set up its own company for the same purpose, it has asked me to correct the mistake I made. I gladly do that and I hope that I have not harmed it in any way.