10. Mr. Idwal Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions he gave to the headmasters of approved schools regarding the television film, based on incidents in an approved school, shown on 11th November.
§ Mr. BrookeAll approved schools were warnedthat this play would probably be unsuitable for general viewing by the boys and girls in them.
Mr. JonesMay I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply and for the instructions that he has given? Is he aware of the harmful effect that this film musthave had upon potential delinquents not yet in approved schools, and the disturbing effect it must have had upon the parents of boys already in approved schools? Further, does he consider that the film presented a fair picture of the work of the staffs inthese schools? Can he suggest what steps he will take in future to avoid a repetition of such a case?
§ Mr. BrookeThe hon. Member may know that I have set up a committee which is concerned with planning research into the impact of television on the young.It has no doubt noticed this programme. The programme contained a number of inaccuracies and misrepresentations. As the House knows, the Government do not interfere with the contents of particular television broadcasts. What worried me most 389 about this one was the misleading and disturbing effect it might have upon the parents of boys and girls in approved schools.
§ Miss BaconSince the Minister had prior notice and knowledge of this programme, what steps did he take to make representations to his right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General? Secondly, is he referring this case to the committee which is considering the effects of television on juvenile delinquency?
§ Mr. BrookeI need not refer it specifically to that committee. I have no doubt that its members are alert enough to have noticed it. As I have said, the Government do not exercise control over individual television broadcasts, but the programme company concerned was well aware of my views on this programme.