HC Deb 10 May 1972 vol 836 cc1296-7
11. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications when he expects to announce the appointment of a committee of inquiry into broadcasting.

Sir J. Eden

I have nothing to add to my predecessor's reply of 1st March to the hon. Member.—[Vol. 832, c. 396.]

Mr. Whitehead

Does the Minister realise that the broadcasting organisations are maintaining, quite rightly, that an inquiry should report in 1974 if the restructuring is to be done by 1976? Will he therefore say when he will bring forward the inquiry and if he will not make any decision about it, as his predecessor failed to do, and since two years have been lost, will he postpone the restructuring of broadcasting in 1976?

Sir J. Eden

I hope to be in a position to announce a decision shortly. I am aware of the need to come to an early conclusion in the matter.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

When the right hon. Gentleman is thinking about this matter, will he bear in mind that the pressure for an inquiry is coming not only from this side of the House but from many consumers outside? If a start is not made quickly, we in the House will not have the information on which to base a proper judgment in 1976.

Sir J. Eden

I note what the hon. Gentleman has said. However, the main need is to come to a decision about the future of broadcasting after 1976 and that, as I have indicated, will need to be taken considerably before that time.