HC Deb 12 March 1980 vol 980 cc1334-5
Mr. Cryer

Further to that point or order, Mr. Speaker. The point of order that you have allowed appears to be connected with the question of programmes on BBC Television. When questions are tabled it is customary for the Table Office to say that interference with programmes is not a ministerial responsibility. I quite understand and accept that, but I have tried consistently to raise the question why the BBC is prepared to show a programme of this nature but several years ago banned a programme called "The War Game", which showed the consequences of a nuclear disaster, which, in my view, people should know about.

May I raise this issue with you, Mr. Speaker, in exactly the same terms, so that my concern about the banning of a programme that I believe to be of public importance could also be brought to the Home Secretary's attention?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman has made his point. It was a fair point, because I exercised my discretion with the right hon. Member for Leeds, South (Mr. Rees). There are times when the House must exercise discretion on broad national issues. I hope that the House will leave the matter there.

Mr. Stoddart

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I have appealed to the House to leave the matter there. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will not seek to pursue the matter, because it is irregular. I did what any Speaker worth his salt would do and allowed an expression of view that I believed the House wanted to hear.

Later—

Mr. Speaker

I express my gratitude to the hon. Member for Swindon (Mr. Stoddart) for his courtesy.