§ 22. Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he has any further plans for the development of cable television; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir J. EdenI am considering the proposals, published this morning, of the Cable Television Association for the development of cable services. I shall be glad to consider comments from any organisation that wishes to offer them.
§ Mr. CookeIs my hon. Friend aware that any extension of television services resulting in a multiplicity of views and a move away from the situation whereby people have to listen to the two BBC channels and only limited competition would be welcomed by the public, and that half the complaints would disappear?
§ Sir J. EdenThe development of cable television, particularly at a local level, would provide for a wide range of viewing choice.
§ Mr. John GrantDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that quantity is not necessarily a substitute for quality?
§ Sir J. EdenI agree that quality is entirely another matter, but I think it might be helpful to give as great a freedom of choice to the viewers as can be devised technically.
§ Mr. GoldingIs not the development of cable television again one of those subjects which should be considered by a committee of inquiry? It is no substitute for public discussion of the use of technical developments of this sort for the public to be told that the Minister will take their views into account in a private document.
§ Sir J. EdenThe Minister must very properly take into account the views of interested organisations and individuals in the development of any new means of communication, whether for entertainment or other purposes, but this, at the end of the day, depends upon decisions by the Government, and the Government will put their proposals before the House.