HC Deb 19 February 1964 vol 689 cc1201-2
40. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Postmaster-General if he will now authorise the educational television experiment for which application has been made by the Independent Television Authority in conjunction with Ulster Television and Queen's University, Belfast; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bevins

A whole range of experiments in educational television, of which this is one, have been proposed. They raise important questions of a technical, organisational and financial character and are of concern to several Departments. I am at present discussing these questions with my colleagues. Meanwhile, I am afraid the answer to my hon. Friend's Question must be "No".

Mr. Stratton Mills

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the valuable pioneer work which Ulster Television did about two years ago in this field with the University of the Air? Is he aware that the Independent Television Authority last summer authorised a considerable sum of money for this experiment which Ulster Television and Queen's University, Belfast, have carried on, and can he give some indication when a decision will be reached?

Mr. Bevins

Yes. I hope my hon. Friend win not take my reply as implying any lack of enthusiasm for educational television. We have in fact been most interested in the proposals which have been put up to us by Ulster Television and Queen's University. The reason why we have turned down this particular application is that we believe that in the first place we should settle the principle as to who should produce and transmit these programmes and who should pay for them as well.

Mr. Stratton Mills

Did I understand my right hon. Friend to use the phrase "turn down" in his supplementary answer? I understood from his original reply that [...]t was still under consideration.

Mr. Bevins

I said in my original Answer that the answer to my hon. Friend's Question must be "No".