HC Deb 08 December 1977 vol 940 cc1674-5
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should be given urgent consideration, namely, the need for the Independent Broadcasting Authority to require the withdrawal of ATV's film 'The South African Experience'. It is specific and important business because the film has clearly been shown to be rigged. Tate and Lyle has comprehensive documentary evidence that black workers were paid to make false statements. There is documentary evidence of acts of impersonation. ATV's voluntary agreement to withdraw some sequences of the film clearly indicates that the film has been rigged. There is also evidence held by the South African Embassy.

This whole matter amounts to grossly unprofessional conduct. It has been tacitly acknowledged so to be by ATV. The film should not be shown at all. If the IBA did its job properly it would intervene to have it withdrawn.

The matter is urgent because the film is to be shown on Wednesday next, 14th December. It will do untold damage to an important and substantial British company with considerable investments in many other parts of Africa by spreading false information and false impressions. We cannot rely on purely legal action after the programme has been shown, as the damage caused by the programme cannot then be rectified. Not only the reputation of a major British company but the fine reputation of British television, renowned throughout the world hitherto as objective and accurate, is at stake.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman gave me notice before 12 o'clock today that he proposed to make his application under Standing Order No. 9 to discuss a specific and important matter which should have urgent consideration, namely, the need for the Independent Broadcasting Authority to require the withdrawal of ATV's film 'The South African Experience'. As I have often told the House, it is not for me to decide the importance of an issue—well, partly its importance; it is for me to decide not whether an issue is to be debated in the House but solely whether it is to have precedence over the business of the day today or on Monday next.

I am afraid that I cannot rule in favour of the hon. Member and give his request the precedence he requires.