HC Deb 20 December 1984 vol 70 cc535-6
5. Mr. Bruce

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has plans to seek to amend the statutory provisions governing political balance in broadcasting.

Mr. Brittan

No, Sir.

Mr. Bruce

Does the Home Secretary believe that the broadcasting authorities should simply recognise the political balance that is frozen within this House, or do they have a responsibility to accept the dynamic changes that are taking place? Does he further recognise that a growing body of public opinion believes that the broadcasting authorities' presentation of political news is unfair and that the majority feel that it is particularly biased in favour of the Government and unfair to the Liberal/SDP alliance? [Interruption.]

Mr. Brittan

It would not appear that most of my hon. Friends share that perception.

Mr. Beaumont-Dark

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that there is a perfect balance at the moment, because it is not the fault of the BBC or the other media if they do not know Liberals from SDPs, or Socialists from Militants, as no one else in the country does?

Mr. Brittan

I agree with my hon. Friend. Those are some of the problems with which the broadcasting authorities have to contend.

Mr. Alex Carlile

Does the Home Secretary agree that it is important that the television and radio companies should be fair in their political coverage? If so, can he think of any better balance than that of public opinion, as opposed to the balance of seats in the House?

Mr. Brittan

It is certainly true that broadcasting authorities must ensure that people are not unfairly treated in respect of the material that is broadcast. As the hon. and learned Gentleman will know, legal proceedings are pending on this matter, so I should not go into it in greater detail.

Mr. Skinner

Is the Home Secretary aware that he has had no complaint this afternoon from the Social Democrats and that they are not here to line up with the Liberals, because they have not turned up for work, and they know that the right hon. Member for Plymouth, Devonport (Dr. Owen) is never off the BBC?

Mr. Brittan

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his unique insight into the thinking of the Social Democratic party.