§ 18. Mr. John Hallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now state when, and in what form, the Government of Kenya intend to implement the recommendation of the Proud Committee that television be introduced in Kenya.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Hugh Fraser)On 4th January, 1961, the Government of Kenya issued a statement of policy on broadcasting and television. I have placed a copy in the Library.
The Government of Kenya are of the opinion that control of television should be vested in an independent public corporation, responsible for both sound broadcasting and television. Commercial interests would be invited to participate in the financing and organisation of these services.
The Government have accordingly issued an invitation to commercial organisations to submit proposals to cover the maintenance and expansion of the existing sound broadcasting service and the introduction of a television service; and in considering the legislation necessary for establishing the proposed corporation.
§ Mr. HallIn view of the high capital cost to Africans of television sets, can my hon. Friend say whether arrangements are being made for communal viewing?
§ Mr. FraserThat will be dealt with when the Kenya Government bring forward detailed legislation.
§ Mr. G. M. ThomsonIn these plans, will the Government bear carefully in mind the importance of television in connection with education in an underdeveloped country like Kenya?
§ Mr. FraserYes, Sir. As the hon. Gentleman will see in the hand-out, one-sixth of the time is to be devoted to adult and primary education.