§ 13. Mr. John Grantasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what 1119 consultations he has held with the Independent Broadcasting Authority concerning his powers in relation to advertising on television.
§ 14. Mr. Arthur Davidsonasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what consultations he has held with the Independent Broadcasting Authority concerning his powers in relation to advertising on television.
§ Sir J. EdenNone concerning my powers, but the authority had consultations with me last year in accordance with Section 7(5) of the Television Act.
§ Mr. GrantYes, but the Minister will be aware that in the last few days some very serious allegations about the abuse of advertising time by programme companies have been made and seem to have been substantiated in the Sunday Times this week, in a report concerning profits of thousands of pounds, which may have been made illicitly. Although one is aware of his responsibilities, is the Minister satisfied that in this respect the IBA is carrying out adequately its statutory duties under the Television Act' Will he have urgent talks with the IBA about this matter? In doing so, will he press it to make regularly available the relevant data in this matter, so that this misunderstanding, if it is a misunderstanding, cannot arise in future?
§ Sir J. EdenI saw the Press reports last week, of course. The IBA is urgently looking into the allegations made, but it is up to it to administer Schedule 2(3) of the Television Act 1964, according to the rules that it has drawn up under the schedule. For my part, I am concerned to see that the IBA discharges its obligation, but the matter is one for the authority in the first instance.
§ Mr. WhiteheadWill the Minister particularly draw the attention of the IBA to the specific allegation about Anglia Television, that on 29th April 1972, between 10 and 11 p.m., Anglia Television transmitted over 12 minutes of advertising, which is 80 per cent. more than the amount allowed in the Television Act? Will the Minister bear in mind the fact that Anglia Television is now bidding for a radio licence in its own area? Will he tell the IBA to investigate this matter very sharply indeed?
§ Sir J. EdenIt would be improper to pick out for separate comment an isolated instance. The hon. Gentleman will generally be aware of the desire to avoid unnatural breaks in certain programmes, for example, sporting events, which may result in the compression of advertising time within an hour separate from those programmes. But this is a matter which falls entirely within the policing responsibilities of the IBA.
§ Mr. GoldingIf the IBA fails to fulfil its obligations, which was in some respects indicated last year by the report of the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries on the IBA, will the Minister do something about the IBA? It is becoming increasingly unsatisfactory to read detailed accounts of the way in which the IBA has failed to fulfil its obligation.
§ Sir J. EdenIt is open to anyone to make a generalised comment. But I am anxious to ensure that the IBA carries out its statutory responsibility. Where there is a generalised Press commentary of this kind, it is well that I await a report.