HC Deb 05 November 1979 vol 973 cc16-8
11. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has had any recent discussions with the chairman of the BBC.

16. Mr. Tom Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the chairmen of the BBC and the IBA.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

Broadcasting matters are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, but I saw the chairman of the Independent Broadcasting Authority on matters relating to Wales on 30 July. I have had no discussions with the chairman of the BBC.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Secretary of State say what he is doing to get rid of the pop session that we have to put up with in the morning in place of a proper news programme? Likewise, will the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the chairman of the neutral BBC that the people of Wales would also benefit if a few of the cheapjacks and alleged political experts were transferred to pastures new?

Mr. Edwards

I note that the hon. Gentleman is joining those who think that political attitudes should be determined by politicians with regard to appointments to British Broadcasting Corporation bodies. This is an extremely dangerous suggestion. It is not my intention to interfere with the day-to-day running of the BBC, although the hon. Gentleman will be aware that I have in the past, as a private individual, criticised the morning programme to which he referred.

Mr. Ellis

Is the Secretary of State aware that a large number of people in my constituency, including myself, even at this late stage in the history of broadcasting, are unable to receive either BBC Wales or the HTV services, and that apparently we are to be deprived of the new fourth channel when it comes into operation? Does the Secretary of State realise that the border between England and Wales has, in effect, been moved several miles westwards? What does he intend to do about that?

Mr. Edwards

The Government have urged the Independent Broadcasting Authority to press on with the engineering programme, with the interests of Wales very much in mind. I am sure that there will be a welcome for the announcement made on 29 October. I am aware that there is a problem in Wrexham, and, indeed, in other individual localities within Wales. I can only say to the hon. Gentleman that the Government will press the broadcasting authorities to move as quickly as they are able.