Second Commercial Television Channel

HC Deb 16 February 1970 vol 796 cc21-2

33. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will now authorise a second commercial television channel.

Mr. Stonehouse

No, Sir.

Mr. Stratton Mills

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government are considering a second channel for Independent Television? Would he make reference to the simultaneous reports which appeared which suggested that the Government are aiming at giving a second commercial channel to the present contractors without competition? Would he comment on this?

Mr. Stonehouse

There are various proposals made to me from time to time and, of course, I have to consider them, but it is too soon for any decision to be made on the subject. I think we must digest the proposals which the I.T.A. has made before we move on to the next thing.