§ 3. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is his policy with regard to round-the-clock broadcasting on the BBC's domestic radio services.
§ Sir J. EdenThis is entirely a matter for the BBC.
§ Mr. JannerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the vast army of men and women shift workers who are preparing to go to work or have just returned, or are driving to or from work, between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.? Added to them there is the number of unfortunates who suffer from insomnia, which makes an unanswerable case for the Minister to take such powers as may be necessary to ensure that radio on a national or local basis is available to those people around the clock.
§ Sir J. EdenThe hon. and learned Gentleman is right in emphasising that it is only between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. that BBC radio is off the air. It is a matter for the BBC to determine how it shall make the best use of the time available.
§ Dame Patricia Hornsby-SmithDoes my right hon. Friend also appreciate that, against the people the hon. and learned Member for Leicester, North-West (Mr. Greville Janner) mentioned, we must consider those who want sleep during those hours and do not want radios next door keeping them awake?
§ Mr. William PriceWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are some of us on the Opposition benches, too, who believe that 21 hours a day of Radio 1 is enough for anyone and that if the BBC has any additional money it might be spent on improving existing programmes?
§ Sir J. EdenAll these are points to which I have no doubt the BBC will pay attention.