HC Deb 23 June 1964 vol 697 cc219-20
27. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Postmaster-General what has been the result of the discussions between Ministers on educational television experiments of the kind devised by the Independent Television Authority and Queen's University, Belfast; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mawby

As my right hon. Friend said on 2nd June in answer to the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes), the discussions on educational broadcasting are still continuing.

Mr. Stratton Mills

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Independent Television Authority has authorised quite a large amount of money for an experiment in this field? Can he explain why it is that if an experiment for pay television is allowed, perhaps for a less worthy cause, there should be such delay in authorising an experiment like this for educational purposes?

Mr. Mawby

The inquiry that is being made has to look into many different points to decide what will be the whole point of educational programmes. As one has to decide the aims" and purposes, who would produce the programme, who would transmit it, who would pay for it, one needs a little more time to come to a final decision on the matter.

Mr. Lubbock

Cannot the Assistant Postmaster-General consider encouraging the Independent Television Authority to plan a series of programmes in Northern Ireland to show that the idea of basing political controversy on religious differences is foreign to British ideas of democracy?

Mr. Mawby

The hon. Gentleman could probably do that better himself by paying a visit to Northern Ireland.

Mr. Stratton Mills

Is my hon. Friend aware that one can rehearse a joke too much?