§ 9. Mr. McNamaraasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will make a statement on his discussions with the Irish Minister of Posts and Telecommunications concerning the availability of programmes from the Republic 11 and from the North of Ireland being seen in Northern Ireland and the Republic, respectively.
§ Sir J. EdenThe proposals put to me by the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications of the Irish Republic require a great deal of study before any view on them can be taken.
§ Mr. McNamaraIs the right hon. Gentleman's initial reaction one of sympathy to the proposal? Does he agree that the proposal could do a great deal to decrease suspicion and hostility between different parts of Ireland, and could help to bring a more ecumenical understanding in both parts of Ireland?
§ Sir J. EdenThat is one of the points which need further study. The proposals were just put to me and I made it clear that I should be prepared to look at them more closely.
§ Mr. John GrantInstead of saying that that is one of the points to be considered, will the right hon. Gentleman at least accept in principle the point made by my hon. Friend that this kind of interchange of information would be helpful?
§ Sir J. EdenIn advance of a closer study of the point put to me, I am not prepared to accept or reject anything.