HC Deb 10 November 1971 vol 825 cc1018-20
31. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Minister for Posts and Telecommunications why he has ceased appointing the chairman and members of the local broadcasting committees for the British Broadcasting Corporation local radio.

Mr. Chataway

As I announced in my reply of 26th May to my hon. Friend the Member for Wells (Mr. Boscawen), I have given the B.B.C. the responsibility for making these appointments. This brought the B.B.C.'s Local Radio Councils into line with all the B.B.C.'s other advisory councils. It also reduced the functions of my Department.—[Vol. 818, c. 158.]

Mr. Stonehouse

Is not the Minister aware that that retrograde decision undermines the whole concept of community broadcasting, in that it makes the key appointments part of the B.B.C. bureaucracy, and that the decision has been received with dismay, particularly in those towns where local broadcasting has been so successful? Will he reconsider his decision?

Mr. Chataway

I am not aware that the decision has been greeted with dismay. I believe that the majority of people think that it is absolutely reasonable that such advisory councils, like all the other B.B.C. advisory councils, should not be appointed by the Government. To continue this work and to appoint similar councils for independent radio would involve appointing substantial additional staff in my Ministry, which I did not want.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

What is the difference between the local radio advisory councils of the B.B.C. and those of the I.T.A. which the Minister is proposing? According to the Bill which he is presenting tomorrow, he will have the right to consult local authorities about the membership. This seems to be a desirable step which should apply also to the B.B.C.

Mr. Chataway

In neither case will I be appointing the advisory councils. It would not have made sense for there to be one procedure for the I.T.A. and another for the B.B.C.

Mr. Stonehouse

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek leave to raise the matter on the Adjournment.