HC Deb 19 July 1972 vol 841 cc608-9
27. Mr. Charles R. Morris

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will establish a committee of inquiry into the future of broadcasting.

Sir J. Eden

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 28th June to my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Stratton Mills) and the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Golding).—[Vol. 839, c. 1425.]

Mr. Morris

Has not the right hon. Gentleman observed the recent speech by the Director-General of the BBC to the distinguished members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery in which he indicated that the BBC would welcome the establishment of a committee of inquiry to consider the future of broadcasting, in so far as it would give the BBC an opportunity to answer the charges and criticisms made here at Westminster and elsewhere about the BBC's reporting policy? The Director-General also indicated that the BBC believes in public accountability. Why will not the right hon. Gentleman give it the opportunity to put that belief into practice by establishing a committee of inquiry?

Sir J. Eden

I had observed the speech in question. Whether or not there should be an inquiry is a matter for the Government to determine.