HC Deb 10 November 1964 vol 701 cc826-8
25. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that television programmes continue to give offence by reason of the use of questionable material; and if he will use his powers under the Television Act and the Licence and Agreement to require the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Television Authority not to send programmes containing such material.

Mr. Benn

The powers of the Postmaster-General have always been regarded as reserve powers, for use only in the last resort. Both broadcasting organisations are independent in matters of programme content; and their independence has been repeatedly reaffirmed by successive Governments. I regard the maintenance of this fundamental principle as essential.

Mr. Shepherd

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that much of the material broadcast in recent years has been damaging to our national prestige? Will he make these organisations realise that they are national institutions and that we do not want our national image to be damaged by pandering too much to the long-haired young men?

Mr. Benn

I think the hon. Gentleman will agree that it is very unlikely that everyone could agree about the quality of certain programmes. The governors of the B.B.C. and the members of the Independent Television Authority are appointed for the purpose which the hon. Gentleman has in mind. It would be wrong for me to use my powers, though I have them, as any Postmaster-General has, in matters of this kind.

Sir W. Bromley-Davenport

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the questionable material which gives most offence is the continuous Socialist Party propaganda which seems to be brought into every programme on both channels on every conceivable occasion?

Mr. Benn

There are differences of opinion on this matter, but I am glad to see the hon. and gallant Gentleman following in the tradition set by Sir Waldron Smithers who repeatedly made these charges throughout the period 1945–51.

Mr. Woodburn

Will my right hon. Friend try to see that the purposes of these broadcasts are carried out, namely, that there are alternative programmes, and that both channels do not duplicate the programmes of the other. The complaint by many people is that instead of alternative programmes, we get duplicate programmes at the same time.

Mr. Benn

This is a matter of programme planning rather than censorship, as was implied, and that is a different question. It would be even more undesirable for the Postmaster-General to try to plan the programmes of both channels.

Sir G. Nicholson

There is a real problem here. There are occasions when the most offensive language is used, and no possible redress can be obtained. We are told that this matter is outside the scope of Government intervention, and that script writers must be given free rein for their artistic urges. Nonetheless, great offence is caused, and some scandal. Will the right hon. Gentleman see that something is done about this matter?

Mr. Ben

If, by asking whether I will see that something is done, the hon. Gentleman means will I exercise personal censorship over B.B.C. and I.T.A. programmes, the answer is "No".

Sir G. Nicholson

I did not say that.

Mr. Benn

The question could mean only censorship over things which I, in the exercise of my judgment, thought to be undesirable and worthy of censorship. If the hon. Gentleman thinks more about the problems involved in trying to do what he wants me to do, he will realise that it is much better to leave it to the board of governors of the B.B.C. and members of the I.T.A.