§ 17. Mr. Eadieasked the Postmaster-General if he will introduce legislation to enable him to issue directions to the broadcasting authorities about the types of programme to be shown on days when local government elections are held.
§ Mr. StonehouseNo, Sir. The content of programmes is the responsibility of the B.B.C. and of the I.T.A.
§ Mr. EadieDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that sporting associations take steps to see that television bans are imposed because attendances at various functions are falling? Democracy is threatened because the percentage of votes at local elections is dropping. Should not this be examined?
§ Mr. StonehouseI am aware from my constituency of the effect this can have, but I do not think that my hon. Friend's suggestion is the way we should deal with this.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltWill the right hon. Gentleman consider inviting the B.B.C. to devote the evening to party political broadcasts, which would make sure that everyone would go to the poll?
§ Mr. StonehouseThat is a very amusing suggestion. I am sure that if the hon. Member for Shrewsbury (Sir J. Langford-Holt) were appearing the audience would be almost nil. I think that the B.B.C. will take note of these suggestions.