HC Deb 17 November 1971 vol 826 cc401-2
11. Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will discuss with the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Television Authority a scheme for displaying in the corner of the television screen a series of small easily recognisable symbols, common to all television services, throughout the broadcast of any programme which might be considered undesirable for particular categories of viewers.

Mr. Chataway

This must be a matter for the judgment of the B.B.C. and the I.T.A., which, I am sure, will take note of my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mrs. Oppenheim

My right hon. Friend's answer is rather disappointing. Is he aware that this system is inexpensive, effective and administratively simple, and it has been operated by French television for a number of years? Does he realise that it would be greatly appreciated by viewers in this country, who may turn on in the middle of a programme but who might not wish to watch a pro- gramme which contained subject matter repugnant to them or frightening? [HON. MEMBERS: "Switch off."] They do not necessarily know in the middle of a programme that it contains such material. Will my right hon. Friend accept that such a system would be greatly welcomed by parents, as they would immediately be able to assess the suitability of a programme for family viewing?

Mr. Chataway

There seems to be an obvious case for a system such as that suggested by my hon. Friend, and I am sure that the B.B.C. will consider it. As my hon. Friend probably knows, the Corporation has in the past concluded that a coding system of this type would, in fact, attract children to programmes which are not suitable.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Will the right hon. Gentleman make categorically clear that he will back the B.B.C. against any and every attempt to force censorship upon it, from whatever source the attempt might come?

Mr. Chataway

There is no question of censorship, but there are here difficult considerations for society and for the broadcasting organisations. I believe that it is to everyone's advantage that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary should have the discussions to which I have referred.