HC Deb 15 May 1969 vol 783 cc1625-6
17. Mr. Brooks

asked the Postmaster-General what estimate he has made of the effects upon the advertisement revenue of newspapers of the granting of a fourth television channel to commercial contractors.

Mr. Stonehouse

A precise figure is not available.

Mr. Brooks

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is illogical to oppose commercial radio on the ground that it might jeopardise newspapers and yet permit a second commercial television channel, which might succeed in killing many of them off? Is not the real priority quality and not quantity?

Mr. Stonehouse

These are points that we must bear in mind as and when we give consideration to a fourth channel and whether or not it should go to I.T.V.