§ 12. Mr. Raphael Tuckasked the Postmaster-General if he will direct the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Television Authority to refrain from broadcasting programmes of films which have received X-certificates from the British Board of Film Censors, and to refrain from broadcasting any films which have not been seen by the British Board of Film Censors.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterNo, Sir. Responsibility for the content of broadcast programmes rests with the Chairman and Governors of the B.B.C. and the Chairman and Members of the I.T.A.; and the Government does not intervene.
§ Mr. TuckIs my hon. Friend aware of the very detrimental effects that certain films—notably sex and horror films—have on the mentality, outlook and conduct of our young? What is the sense in stopping a child seeing a film classified as "X" at the cinema when he can go home and see on television either the same film—for example, "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane"—or something a great deal worse?
§ Mr. SlaterI can only repeat that responsibility for the content of broadcast programmes rests with the Chairman and Governors of the B.B.C. I am told that it remains the general policy of the B.B.C. not to show before nine o'clock material unsuitable for children. I am sure that the Corporation will take note of my hon. Friend's observations.
§ Mr. TuckIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give 649 notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.