§ 18. Mr. Fowlerasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he is satisfied with the control that the Independent Television Authority exercises over the suitability of advertisements to be shown; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChatawayYes, Sir. I have, therefore, no statement to make.
§ Mr. FowlerMay I draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the action of the I.T.A. in refusing permission for the News of the World to advertise a recent series, apparently on legal grounds? Without prejudging that case in any way, will not my right hon. Friend agree that it raises an important matter of principle because it suggests that the I.T.A. may censor advertisements simply because there is a threat of legal action, 900 even though the extra publicity of an advertisement may be in the public interest?
§ Mr. ChatawayI am sure that the I.T.A. will take note of my hon. Friend's views, but the Authority had to take into account the fact that writs had been issued in this case.