HC Deb 23 July 1963 vol 681 cc1249-50
9. Mr. Chapman

asked the Postmaster-General to what extent the terms of appointment of the Chairman of the Independent Television Authority require the holder of that post to retire from active politics.

Mr. Bevins

The Chairman was given the normal memorandum of advice on political activities for the guidance of members of public boards, but in any case the question of political activity will not arise because he has told me that he has retired from politics altogether.

Mr. Chapman

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the precedent set and the problems created in putting a very active party politician in charge of a public medium of expression of opinion? That is the crucial problem. [Interruption.] It is different from the Coal Board. For instance, in times of national crisis there might be demands for a Government statement and Opposition counter-statement on matters of the moment. What real assurance can we have that a very active party politician will be utterly impartial in providing the right to the use of the air?

Mr. Bevins

I think I did say that Lord Hill has told me that he has retired from politics altogether.

Mr. Manuel

Does the right hon. Gentleman really believe it?

Mr. Bevins

Naturally I accept his word. At the same time I take the point made by the hon. Gentleman the Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Chapman). Of course, the supposition which, I think, he has at the back of his mind is that the Chairman of the Authority could influence either I.T.N. news or a programme contractor at a period of high political activity. Well, I really believe that it is quite inconceivable that any Chairman of the Authority would ever attempt to interfere in that sort of way.

Mr. Webster

Would my right hon. Friend consider putting the same curtailment of activities on the President of the Board of Film Censors?

Mr. Bevins

I do not think that that quite arises on this Question.

Mr. Milne

Is the Postmaster-General aware that we have had previous experience of the Chairman of the Authority in a non-political post—when he was acting as secretary to the British Medical Association?

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