§ 38. Sir L. Plummerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what have been the results of the consultations he has had with the Governor of Malta arising from his decision to allocate a licence giving exclusive television rights on the island to a commercial contractor.
§ Mr. H. FraserThe Government of Malta announced in February, 1960, its decision to create a statutory authority to be responsible for broadcasting, including television, in Malta. Draft legislation was published on 2nd December.
783 Following consideration of applications by a number of interested firms, the Government of Malta has entered into discussions with Rediffusion (Malta) Limited with a view to negotiating an agreement for the continuation of sound broadcasting and the provision of a television service in Malta and Gozo.
§ Sir L. PlummerIs it not a fact that Rediffusion (Malta) has got practically exclusive monopolistic rights for sound broadcasting in Malta, and that if it is now to be given monopolistic rights for television broadcasting, there will be no outside voice in Malta able to utter an independent opinion? As the Government believe in competition in broadcasting and television, why do they permit this sort of monopoly to go on in Malta?
§ Mr. FraserVarious people came forward with contracts and this was the most suitable contract. We are convinced that under a statutory authority the interests of the Maltese people will be properly safeguarded.