§ 1. Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to announce his plans for the future of broadcasting services.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Merlyn Rees)I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Rathbone) on 17th November last.
§ Mr. BrothertonIs the Home Secretary aware that there is considerable concern, particularly among the broadcasting companies, about the lack of a decision on this matter, and that investment is being held up? Will he give a guarantee to the House that he will consider the conduct of such companies as ATV, which has been trying to put out a grossly distorted picture of life in another country?
§ Mr. WhiteheadDisgraceful.
§ Mr. ReesI shall publish a White Paper early in the new year. The number of people who write to the companies arguing that they are biased one way is matched only by the number of people who write and say that they are biased the other way.
§ Mr. WhiteheadEntirely disregarding the second part of the supplementary 888 question by the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Brotherton), because its content was so disgraceful, will my right hon. Friend say something about the prospects for the companies? Is it not a fact that the decision on the new franchises will have to be delayed if we do not get legislation very soon?
§ Mr. ReesI think that it is quite clear that there cannot be legislation in the course of next year, and I am actively considering the speediest way of dealing with the existing companies.
§ Mr. Michael McNair-WilsonHas the Secretary of State seen the comments of the Chairman of the BBC about the way it may be financed in the future? Will the White Paper contain proposals for the future financial structure of the BBC?