HC Deb 27 January 1966 vol 723 c370
2. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he made to Lord Norman-brook about showing the film "The War Game" on television.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer which my predecessor gave on 2nd December to a Question from my right hon. Friend the Member for Derby, South (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker).

Mr. Zilliacus

Was it known at the time that Answer was given that on or about 24th September last senior Home Office officials discussed this film with Lord Normanbrook? To remove any suspicion that their advice influenced the B.B.C. in deciding not to show this film even to the general public, let alone on television, will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the Government have no objection whatever to this film being shown?

Mr. Jenkins

Yes, this is entirely a matter for the B.B.C. An officer of the Home Office, together with officials from other Departments, saw the film. He expressed no view as to whether it should be shown, and Ministers expressed no view to the B.B.C. The B.B.C. took the decision, as it was right for it to do, entirely on its own authority.