HC Deb 14 May 1963 vol 677 cc1124-6
12. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Postmaster-General if he will seek to establish a television viewers council which will consult viewers with the object of advising him on the suitability, desirability and attractiveness of television shows, and the maintenance of acceptable standards.

Mr. Bevins

No, Sir. Standards and content of programmes are the responsibility of the Chairman and Governors of the B.B.C. and of the Chairman and Members of the I.T.A.

The two broadcasting authorities ascertain public reaction to their services in various ways: first, there is the expression of opinion through Parliament, through the Press, and through the letters the public write to the broadcasters. Then there are the various advisory committees, and audience research, which is to be expanded.

Mr. Dempsey

Is not the Postmaster-General aware that there is grave concern at the growing number of sex and psychic performances which are appearing on television networks? Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is a tendency to glorify thuggery on these television shows, with its harmful influences to teen-age viewers? Does not he think that those who pay the piper, the viewers, are entitled to have some say in this matter and that one of the best mediums of achieving this would be to form a viewers' council?

Mr. Bevins

There is the Television Bill before Parliament which has something to do with the principal questions which the hon. Gentleman has just put to me, but the Question on the Order Paper suggests that there ought to be appointed a council of television viewers to advise the Postmaster-General about what is good and what is bad television. I could not for one moment accept this because if I did it would lead to interference with the independence of the B.B.C. and the I.T.A.

Mr. F. Harris

Will my right hon. Friend resist these requests for more and more control of television by way of viewers' councils? The public of this country are not old women like hon. Members opposite, and do not want such additional controls.

Mr. Bevins

Leaving hon. Members opposite out of the picture, I think that there is a good deal in what my hon. Friend says.

Mr. Driberg

Will the right hon. Gentleman take this matter a little more seriously than the hon. Member for Croydon, North-West (Mr. F. Harris)—as I am sure he does—and explain what he means by his statement that audience research will be expanded? Does he mean that the T.A.M. sample will be increased further? Does the right hon. Gentleman regard that sample as adequate without a considerably greater qualitative survey?

Mr. Bevins

As I think the hon. Gentleman knows, audience research is at present carried out by the B.B.C. on a quite extensive scale. It is not carried out in any large way by the Independent Television Authority, but, T.A.M. aside, there is specific provision in the Television Bill for audience research to be carried out by the Authority.