HL Deb 03 April 1974 vol 350 c913
BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government to state the criteria on which applications would be accepted for the fourth television channel, and to indicate when they expect to be in a position to consider the applications.

THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD HARRIS OF GREENWICH)

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary said in another place last week that he hoped to make a Statement shortly about the Government's policy on the future of broadcasting. I would ask my noble friend to await that Statement.

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. I recognise that the Government must have a policy in this matter. Can the Minister give me some indication of whether, for instance, the fourth channel will be given to the existing companies, and whether the Open University will be given extra time on this channel?

LORD HARRIS OF GREENWICH

My Lords, I am afraid that at this stage I cannot anticipate the content of my right honourable friend's Statement.

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, may I ask whether a Statement will be made in the House on which we can have some information?

LORD HARRIS OF GREENWICH

My Lords, I hope so, certainly.