§ 31. Mr. Joan Evansasked the Lord President of the Council what discussions he has had with the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Broadcasting Authority to ensure fair coverage of the Assembly referendum campaigns in Wales and Scotland.
§ Mr. William PriceNone, Sir.
§ Mr. EvansWill my hon. Friend ensure that in the referendum campaign there will be access to the media by the spectrum of political views of those arguing for the Assemblies and those arguing against them, so that the full facts about the Assemblies are put to the people of Wales and Scotland? Will he ensure that the authorities do that?
§ Mr. PriceI do not think that I need to ensure that the authorities do that. I believe that they will provide fair coverage, and that is the Government's wish.
§ Mr. Gwynfor EvansWould it not be fairest to divide the time between the umbrella movements on both sides to ensure that the Labour opponents in Wales have a fair share of the time with their Tory allies?
§ Mr. PriceThat matter goes wider than the Question, which is about the broadcasting authorities and not the media in general. I believe that the broadcasting authorities will do their job correctly.