HC Deb 28 June 1972 vol 839 cc1418-9
7. Mr. Dykes

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what representations he has received in recent weeks concerning his powers under section 12 of the British Broadcasting Corporation Licence and Charter.

20. Mr. Adley

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what recent representations he has received relating to the exercise of his powers under the British Broadcasting Corporation Licence and Agreement; and what replies he has sent.

Sir J. Eden

None.

Mr. Dykes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, despite the obvious fact that he has no direct powers on programme content, on 2nd June there was a most disturbing programme on "24 Hours" on BBC television which gave a totally biased, unbalanced view of Concorde's future prospects and an assessment of the Concorde aircraft was made in a knocking film in typical BBC style? Will my right hon. Friend look again at his powers and discuss with the Director-General ways of making BBC programmes on this and other vital matters more balanced in the future?

Sir J. Eden

I am aware that there has been a certain amount of disquiet about that programme and the way in which it was presented at that particular time. But matters of programme content are not for me.

Mr. Adley

My right hon. Friend may not have had any complaints about that programme but I certainly have. I she aware that from an examination of the transcript one can find eight specific and important errors of fact which were broadcast by the BBC in that programme? They relate, for instance, to cost, noise and facts about certain American airlines. Will my right hon. Friend use his powers to see that the BBC checks its facts from available evidence before putting out these programmes rather than taking convenient opinions which suit the case it is trying to put to the public?

Sir J. Eden

That is very much a matter for the BBC. I have no doubt that the corporation will take careful note of what my hon. Friend has said.