HC Deb 09 August 1972 vol 842 cc1704-5
6. Mr. Wyn Roberts

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he has studied the interim report of the Committee on Broadcasting. established by the Council of the University of Wales, a copy of which is in his possession; and if he will make a statement.

Sir J. Eden

I have studied the report with interest. Its recommendations will be considered when policy for broadcasting in the post-1976 period is formulated.

Mr. Roberts

My right hon. Friend will be aware that this report recommends a Welsh language television channel, but is he aware that this would be welcome to monoglot English people living in Wales as well as to those who speak Welsh? Does he not think that it would be wise to grant gracefully this channel rather than yield to youthful pressures from unwanted guests such as those who visited him at the Post Office yesterday?

Sir J. Eden

I do not think it necessary to yield to pressures of any kind. This is a matter which needs to be considered carefully in the context of the post-1976 period. I have read the report with a great deal of interest and I note the extent to which it calls for a subsidy. The fact remains that more is spent on broadcasting per head of Welshmen already than is spent per head of Englishmen.