HL Deb 15 July 1975 vol 362 cc1101-3

2.49 p.m.

Lord O'NEILL of the MAINE

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 whether they have any plans to ensure that the proceedings of this House are broadcast by the BBC.

The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Lord Shepherd)

My Lords, the broadcasting of proceedings in Parliament will be considered in the light of the experiment in another place. Any decision on future policy will be for both Houses and of course the broadcasting authorities.

Lord O'NEILL of the MAINE

My Lords, does the noble Minister appreciate the importance of ensuring that the people of this country realise that we have a Second Chamber, and that we could, in fact, contribute much to the information which the general public receive from the House of Commons broadcasts?

Lord SHEPHERD

My Lords, I have no doubt at all that the general public are aware that we have a Second Chamber, although I share some of the doubt about whether the media—at least the newspapers—convey sufficiently the deliberations and the value of our thoughts.

Lord PANNELL

My Lords, as one who opposed over a good many years the televising of the other place, may I ask the noble Lord whether he is aware that, having listened to the radio broadcasts, my worst fears were realised and that it was a non-success?

Lord SHEPHERD

If I may say so, my Lords, that is a personal expression of opinion on which I would not wish to comment.

Lord BLYTON

My Lords, is the Minister aware that the radio proceedings in another place are regarded by the people in England as "Children's Hour"? I hope that we shall not have that catastrophe inflicted on this place.

Lord SHEPHERD

My Lords, I would not share that view. I believe that the radio has given to those who wish to listen to matters of national importance an opportunity of hearing Parliament and understanding the issues. This is, however, a matter of personal opinion. If we have an opportunity for debating the matter it will be open to all Members to express their personal points of view. I have no doubt that so far as the Government are concerned we regard the experiment as a success.

Lord MAYBRAY-KING

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that the quarter-hour broadcasts year by year have been outstandingly fair and successful, that to have them illustrated by comments from the actual speeches made has been very much appreciated by all who listen to them; and that behind it all is great technical skill on the part of those who prepare the programme?

Lord SHEPHERD

My Lords, I am sure that the noble Lord is right. If I remember one part of that experiment, it was when the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary went to the House at about 10 o'clock at night to make a Statement in regard to Mr. Hills. If ever the value of sound radio was demonstrated, that was the occasion.

Lord DAVIES of LEEK

My Lords, is my noble friend aware, anent this horrible word "media" and its misapplication, that more opportunity ought to be given to the Press in the Gallery of this House? Since there is no accommodation whatever for the Press to get the opportunity of mixing with noble Lords in this Chamber, would that not make a great improvement?

Lord SHEPHERD

My Lords, I would suggest that that is another matter and something for noble Lords to consider perhaps on another occasion.

Lord BLYTON

My Lords, is the Minister aware that we had an experiment with television in this House some years ago and that while we burned under the heat of the lights, the Front Bench tried to be prima donnas?

Lord SHEPHERD

My Lords, if there was any question of prima donnas, it was not confined solely to the Front Benches.