§ 10. Mr. Whiteheadasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what recent representations he has received concerning the exercise of his powers under the Television Act 1964 and the Sound Broadcasting Act 1972.
§ Sir J. EdenNone, Sir.
§ Mr. WhiteheadBearing in mind the debates in Committee about what is now Section 6 of the Sound Broadcasting Act 1972, does the Minister accept that it may be regrettable that some of the companies which have extensive interests in commercial television have been allowed by the IBA to take an interest in radio companies in the same area? Does he agree that while we need the technical expertise of companies like Rediffusion and Granada it would be better if that expertise were deployed in other areas, if IBA is giving out these contracts, so 12 that there is not the danger of a conglomerate of monopolies?
§ Sir J. EdenSection 6 of the Sound Broadcasting Act 1972 made it clear that the companies to which the hon. Gentleman referred would not be given a controlling interest and would not be allowed to run stations in the areas in which they operated. It did not proscribe them from having any shareholding.