§ 20. Mr. Norman Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the outcome of his talks with the broadcasting authorities concerning the appearance of members of the IRA on television.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe broadcasting authorities have said they will take into account the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act as an important new consideration in shaping their policies in this sensitive area.
§ Mr. FowlerWill the right hon. Gentleman make it clear to the broadcasting organisations that whatever the rights and wrongs of the situation before the advent of the anti-terrorist legislation, now that the IRA is proscribed in this country there will be no justification for allowing its members to explain their policies on television?
§ Mr. JenkinsWe debated this subject in the early hours of the morning on the anti-terrorist legislation and heard a powerful speech from the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr. Fowler). I gave my views, which have since been conveyed to the broadcasting authorities. I do not think that any real difficulty remains. We all want to see responsibility without censorship.