HC Deb 16 February 1967 vol 741 cc787-8
28. Mr. Wall

asked the Postmaster-General if he will issue directions under the Licence and Agreement and the Television Acts to the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Television Authority not to broadcast television programmes for schools on political matters unless they are both factual and balanced.

Mr. Joseph Slater

No, Sir. The broadcasting authorities are already under an obligation to treat controversial subjects with due impartiality.

Mr. Wall

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the numerous complaints of bias and misrepresentation contained in a B.B.C. schools broadcast entitled, "Spotlight—The Choice for Rhodesia"? Will he agree that our children should not be brain-washed by the B.B.C., even if it is on the side of the Government, and will he look into this broadcast if I send him the script?

Mr. Slater

The hon. Gentleman has made his point. I can only say that it is for the governors of the B.B.C. and the members of the I.T.A. to interpret and apply the obligation to ensure impartiality.

Dr. Winstanley

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many hon. Members would be much opposed to the Postmaster-General making any representations to these bodies on the political content of educational or any other programmes?

Mr. Mendelson

Does my hon. Friend further realise that the only complaints I have ever received about B.B.C. broadcasts to Rhodesia or about Rhodesia in this country have been postmarked "Salisbury" and came from agents of Mr. Smith's régime?