§ 32. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Postmaster-General if he will issue a direction, under the appropriate provi- 510 sion, to the British Broadcasting Corporation that they should refrain from broadcasting programmes likely to be injurious to the health of hospital patients.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to a case in which irresponsible efforts to be funny in a B.B.C. programme resulted in the undoing of all the good which had been done to a patient in a mental hospital in my constituency? If he has not had any notice of this case, will he consider what action he could or should take if I bring it to his notice?
§ Mr. BennThis was brought to my attention—understandably, in view of the hon. Gentleman's Question. But the issue is a wider one than this. There are many things said and done on broadcasting programmes, on radio and television, which I would find unacceptable personally or unjustifiable on grounds of public policy, but the House in the past has always taken the view that the evil of political interference, however well-intentioned, by a Postmaster-General would be greater than the advantage which could be served in any one instance. This is the principle which I am upholding, and I think it right. Whether there ought to be some other way of meeting this type of problem is a matter for consideration, but the House has vested responsibility upon men with a great record of public service in the I.T.A. and the B.B.C. We have hitherto taken the view that we should leave them to get on with the job.
§ Mr. SnowThat sounds very good, but is my right hon. Friend saying in effect that, within his responsibility, he does not take into account medical opinion on this subject? Is he aware that among thoughtful practitioners there are strong views about this emphasis on certain aspects of medicine which should not be a matter for public entertainment?
§ Mr. BennThe question which was posed raises not a matter of whether I should take into account medical opinion but whether I should be responsible for this at all, in view of the fact that the 511 House has put the responsibility elsewhere. But since I have come to office I have discussed this general problem—as a problem—with the B.B.C. and the I.T.A. As the House knows, they have undertaken that HANSARD is made available at the meetings of the I.T.A. and the B.B.C. I have discussed with them the possibility that their general advisory committees might be used for this purpose. I have inquired about the availability of scripts, beyond which it is not possible to go without a major constitutional change.
§ Sir C. TaylorWould the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of changing the Director-General?
§ Mr. BennEven that question conveys misunderstanding, because the Director-General is appointed by the Board of Governors. What I have the power to do is to dismiss the Board of Governors. The question is whether this is the right way of tackling this matter or not.