HC Deb 25 January 1979 vol 961 cc657-8
5. Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the complaints procedure in relation to broadcasting.

Dr. Summerskill

The White Paper on broadcasting makes it clear that we have proposed the establishment of a single independent broadcasting complaints commission.

Mr. McCrindle

As neither the BBC's nor the IBA's present complaints machinery appears to have the confidence of the public, will the hon. Lady confirm that any proposed complaints commission would be entitled to look into claims of unfairness or misrepresentation during a radio or television programme, and that it would be the intention, as with Press Council, to require the BBC or the IBA to publish the findings of that commission?

Dr. Summerskill

The Annan committee recommended, and the Government agree, that the commission should be able to receive, consider and adjudicate on, complaints of unfairness, misrepresentation and invasion of privacy. I can give no positive undertaking on the hon. Gentleman's second point, but it is being considered.

Mr. Hoyle

Will my hon. Friend seek an interview with the Director-General of the BBC, Mr. Ian Trethowan, about the letter from the British Field Sports Society, and make a complaint to him about what it says—that they guaranteed media time to someone on the matter of blood sports? Surely, to guarantee sectional interest time is not the right way to run the BBC?

Dr. Summerskill

I think that I am right in saying that that has been denied by Mr. Trethowan, but if my hon. Friend will write to me—

Mr. Hoyle

I shall.

Dr. Summerskill

—and specify his exact complaint. I shall certainly have it considered by my noble Friend the Minister of State or my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

Mr. Neubert

Has the hon. Lady read the recent article in The Daily Telegraph by her former ministerial colleague Lord Harris, condemning the unfair aspersions on the police in many television programmes? Does she intend to take any action on that?

Dr. Summerskill

If the hon. Gentleman cares to bring the issue to my notice or to the notice of the brodacasting authority, in writing, it will be taken up. The whole point of the new complaints commission is to give more strength and teeth to the type of complaint that the hon. Gentleman has made.

Mr. Terry Walker

Will the new complaints procedure allow for complaints about bad television and broadcasting reception? Despite all the matters that have been raised in the House, we do not seem to be able to overcome the problem. It is a legitimate complaint in many places, especially in my constituency.

Dr. Summerskill

Reception complaints are not specifically included in the plans for the commission. I realise that there is a good deal of feeling about reception. That is being considered by the Home Office in a completely different context and not under the complaints commission.