§ Q5. Sir Ian Orr-Ewingasked the Prime Minister what official representations by, or on behalf of Ministers, were made to the broadcasting authorities concerning broadcasts by Rhodesian representatives.
§ The Prime MinisterThere was no attempt by the Government to interfere with the discretion of either the British Broadcasting Corporation or the Independent Television Authority as regards broadcasts by Rhodesian representatives any more than as regards any other broadcasts. It was merely suggested to both organisations that, if they were asked for time for such broadcasts, they should consider the circumstances in which such broadcasts might be made.
§ Sir Ian Orr-EwingIs the Prime Minister aware that we are glad to know there was absolutely no pressure put on, or guidance given, from Downing Street to the B.B.C. or the I.T.A. on this issue? But does he not feel that it was both strange and unfortunate that television broadcasts on the B.B.C. were allowed to the Lord Chancellor, to himself, and to members of the African Opposition, and, after being offered to Mr. Ian Smith, they were then withdrawn at the last moment?
§ The Prime MinisterWhat I said in my Answer was perfectly proper, because I think that it was appropriate that the broadcasting authorities should have their attention drawn—so that within their discretion, they could decide this—to the circumstances that would arise if, during his stay in London, Mr. Smith had announced the intention to proceed to illegal action. I think that it was right that the broadcasting authorities should have their attention drawn to what the law would be if that happened. It did not happen, and there was no other pressure put upon them. I should say that the figures have been collected since, and Mr. Smith had 69 minutes of television time on the two main channels, given within the discretion of the two broadcasting authorities, and not under pressure from the Government, and that was a great deal more than I got in Rhodesia.