§ 11. Mr. Chris Mullin (Sunderland, South)What recent discussions he has had with the ITC regarding the quality of commercial television; and if he will make a statement. [41997]
§ The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr. Chris Smith)I meet the chairman of the Independent Television Commission periodically to discuss a range of broadcasting issues. Quality of content of commercial television services is an essential ingredient of the Government's broadcasting policy.
§ Mr. MullinDoes my right hon. Friend share the widespread concern about the steady deterioration in the quality of commercial television since the Broadcasting Act 1990? Is he satisfied that the ITC has the powers and the will to reverse that trend? If not, what are his plans?
§ Mr. SmithMy hon. Friend will doubtless know that the report issued by the ITC on the 1997 performance review, which was presented to Parliament on 30 April, addressed some of those issues robustly. This is a matter for the ITC rather than the Government. The Government have a responsibility for the overall promotion of quality, but the assessment of individual programmes must remain a matter for the ITC.
§ Dr. Julian Lewis (New Forest, East)The ITC is responsible for ensuring the application of the aspects of the Broadcasting Act 1990 that ensure that controversial subjects are dealt with with due impartiality. Will the Secretary of State raise with the ITC in his next meeting the discussion programme scheduled for ITV next Wednesday evening, which will feature a raft of conspiracy theorists, including one notorious fabricator and defamer, who intend to exploit the death of Princess Diana to put their crazy theories forward, to the distress of the families and without any balancing argument?
§ Mr. SmithI am sure that the ITC and, indeed, the Broadcasting Standards Commission, will have heard very clearly what the hon. Gentleman has said.