§ 37. Sir J. Rodgersasked the Postmaster-General, in view of the fact that 246 Her Majesty's Government have applied for membership of the Common Market, in which radio advertising is allowed, he will now seek to allow radio advertising in this country in order to harmonise United Kingdom and European Economic Community policies.
§ Mr. Edward ShortNo, Sir. There is nothing in the Treaty of Rome of direct relevance to radio advertising nor, in practice, do the countries of the European Economic Community follow a common policy in this respect.
§ Sir J. RodgersDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that there are already commercial radio stations in France beamed at this country? If we join the Common Market, does he think that his present ban on commercial radio in this country can be sustained?
§ Mr. ShortThe hon. Gentleman knows my views on this. I am very anxious to maintain the public service broadcasting principle in this country. However, he will remember the wording of the White Paper.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes my right hon. Friend realise that the Government have let themselves in for something, that gradually they will be forced to accept everything that Rome does, and that radio and television in this country will become commercial? How can that be avoided?