HC Deb 07 July 1964 vol 698 cc207-8
23. Mr. Dance

asked the Postmaster-General if he will introduce legislation to establish a Viewers' Committee representative of all opinions to advise the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Television Authority on the standards, timing and moral tone to be adopted by them in programme content.

Mr. Bevins

The B.B.C. Charter and the Television Act already impose obligations on the B.B.C. and I.T.A. respectively to ascertain public opinion on their programmes and to consider criticisms and suggestions. Both organisations have General Advisory Councils, regional advisory committees and specialist advisory committees. Both are obliged to have regard to good taste and decency. I feel that these arrangements encompass what my hon. Friend has in mind.

Mr. Dance

Surely these odd committees to which my right hon. Friend has referred are highly ineffective, and there is at the moment great feeling in the country about certain programmes. Surely the suggestion of mine ties up very much with the words of Lord Hill of Luton, who said: In our work it is really helpful to have comments from people outside the television world both on general trends and individual programmes. Is my right hon. Friend aware that in Glasgow Mr. Kenneth Adam, who is the Director of B.B.C. Television, stated—here in this paper "Television To-Day" are the headlines— Sex and violence. B.B.C. say it will go on. No apologies for recent themes.

Mr. Speaker

Verbatim quotation even from a headline is out of order in a Question.

Mr. Dance

In view of this arrogant, dictatorial attitude, does not my right hon. Friend feel that the time has come when the viewers should be protected? Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a Motion on the Order Paper in the names of many of my hon. Friends on this side of the House on this same theme?

Mr. Bevins

I do not think that I have read the comments to which my hon. Friend refers, but it is fair to say that since the passing of the Television Bill and the exchanges which the Government had with both the B.B.C. and the I.T.A. there has been some improvement on both channels in the matter of violence. For the rest, I am quite sure that the broadcasting authorities will take note of what has been said by my hon. Friend. They are both very sensitive to all expressions of opinion in this House.