§ 10. Mr. Selwyn Gummerasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will now set up independent advisory panels to enable the public to give advice prior to policy decisions of the British Broadcasting Corporation and Independent Television Authority.
§ Mr. ChatawayNo, Sir. The broadcasting authorities must judge how best to acquaint themselves with the views of the public and what advice to seek, since they have the responsibility for providing the service.
§ Mr. GummerIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are many people who 386 want neither Government intervention or interference with the broadcasting authorities nor the dictatorial attitude which is taken by broadcasting authorities about programme content and policy? Is it not sensible to follow the Danish system, which means that the consumer and the community have a say in the policy of the broadcasting authorities?
§ Mr. ChatawayMy hon. Friend knows that these matters have been debated in both Houses and that different views have been expressed. The Governors of the B.B.C. and the members of the I.T.A. are there to represent the public and the consumer. My doubt about my hon. Friend's proposal is whether there would be any gain from dividing responsibility for programme content between two publicly appointed authorities.
§ Mr. Evelyn KingDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that there is never any difficulty in discovering what public opinion is, but that it is the view of the B.B.C. that it should be constantly and deliberately ignored?
§ Mr. ChatawayI do not accept that that would be regarded as a proper interpretation of their functions by the governors of the corporation.