§ 2. Mr. Danceasked the Postmaster-General what plans he has to set up a national advisory council representative of the radio and television industry, consumers, viewers, universities and possibly broadcasting personnel, with terms of reference wide enough for them to report on all matters affecting sound broadcasting and television.
§ Mr. DanceIn view of the recent irresponsible attitude of the B.B.C. in inviting a German professional agitator to appear on television, does the Minister not agree with the wording of this Question, which repeats his own words in 1964?
§ Mr. MasonI notice that the hon. Gentleman has cleverly quoted verbatim from what I said in 1964. Since then, in 1966, a White Paper on broadcasting was issued, which took this into consideration, and is in line with the recommendations of the Pilkington Committee. As the hon. Gentleman knows, M.P.s have many opportunities to question the Postmaster-General himself.
§ Mr. BryanDoes the Postmaster-General's reply mean that he is satisfied with the effectiveness of the advisory committees to bring the weight of public opinion to bear on the broadcasting authorities?
§ Mr. MasonYes, Sir. Taking into consideration that there are now a national advisory council, four regional advisory councils and 26 functional advisory councils advising the B.B.C, that seems to be adequate.
§ Sir Harmar NichollsIs the Minister aware that when he used these words in 416 1964 they were not his personal words? He said, " we ", speaking in his capacity as the shadow Minister for his party. Now that he holds office within the area that was covered by the shadow cabinet, ought he not to pay more attention to what he said then?