§ 27. Mr. Whiteheadasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will now announce the names of applicants for local cable television experimental relays; and which of these applications have been successful.
§ Sir J. EdenI am not yet in a position to do so.
§ Mr. WhiteheadDoes the Minister realise that many of us believe that cable television could be a great blessing or could do enormous harm? When considering these applications, will the Minister exercise the maximum scrutiny over possible foreign holdings in the potential applicants? Will he also, in considering the performance of the successful companies, when he places these before an inquiry if an inquiry is to be held, consider the possibility of the Post Office taking over this relay system as common carrier after 1976?
§ Sir J. EdenThe conditions of the licence are still under consideration. I am pressing ahead with this and hope to make an announcement fairly soon.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieWhen the Minister makes an announcement will he do something that he did not do last week: will he come to the House and make the announcement here instead of putting it in as a written answer, as he did with the question of local commercial radio?
§ Sir J. EdenI am very happy always to respond to the convenience of the House.