§ 7. Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will now review the agreement of 1947 relating to party political broadcasting, with a view to achieving better representation of the smaller political parties; and whether he will receive a delegation from the Scottish National Party to discuss the matter.
§ Mr. ChatawayNo, Sir. This is not a matter for me.
§ Mr. StewartMay I express my disappointment at that reply? The Ombudsman has made a judgment which clearly lays the responsibility in the Minister's lap. Therefore, in view of the number of candidates fielded and the percentage of votes secured by the Scottish National Party—the same practice obtains in Wales—does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that this grossly undemocratic and unfair carve up by the Tory and Labour Parties should come to an end? Otherwise, is he not aware that, having exhausted all the possibilities, he might be leaving the way open for direct action to solve this problem?
§ Mr. ChatawayI would not accept that the Parliamentary Commissioner lays the responsibility on me. It is recognised that the arrangements for party political broadcasts are made between the political parties and the broadcasting authorities. There is an allocation to the Scottish National Party and the Welsh Nationalist Party.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieIs the Minister aware that, so far as I am concerned, the Scottish National Party can be on television as often as it chooses and for much longer periods? Much good it will do that party. Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that we would regard this matter not as one for him or for the Post Office but as one for the major parties and for Mr. Speaker's Conference?
§ Mr. ChatawayI agree with that.