§ 11. Mr. Gordon Campbellasked the Postmaster-General if he will direct the British Broadcasting Corporation to refrain from broadcasting announcements on television, in areas which cannot receive B.B.C.2, that for the £6 licence fee, viewers have a choice of B.B.C.1 or B.B.C.2.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterThe Government does not intervene in matters of programme content; but I am assured by the B.B.C. that it is not their practice to make such announcements.
§ Mr. CampbellIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there have been many complaints about such statements, which may 648 have been off the cuff and unintentional, but which, none the less, are a cause of great irritation?
§ Mr. SlaterI cannot see why the B.B.C. should have to take some line of action because someone makes a comment off the cuff. If these people are so concerned about something that the B.B.C. is doing, knowing full well that the B.B.C. is responsible for the day-to-day running of that organisation, it would be as well for them to contact the B.B.C.
§ Mr. CampbellIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I give notice that I will seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.