HL Deb 14 March 1977 vol 380 cc1263-4

2.44 p.m.

Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBY

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 the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937 applies to or governs the policy of the BBC regarding programmes which feature cruel infliction of pain or terror on any animal; and if so whether the "Taste for Adventure" programme featured in Radio Times for showing on 3rd March is in breach of the terms of the 1937 Act.

Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH

My Lords, it would be for the courts to decide whether the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937 in any circumstances applied to television programmes of the kind described in the Question the noble Lord has asked, and it would be improper for the Government to express a view. The House will know that the broadcasting authorities have sole responsibility for the programmes included in their services: it is for them to ensure that, so far as practicable, programmes do not offend against good taste, are not offensive to public feeling and have regard to the laws of the land. With regard to the programme to which the noble Lord referred, the BBC tell me that announcements were made immediately before and after the programme was broadcast.

Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBY

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that in my opinion it only adds to the gravity of the offence when the BBC, before and after a programme, have to say that the scenes portrayed on the film would be unlawful if performed in this country? Are we next to have a film of a bullfight in this series of "Taste for Adventure"? It seems to me that this series is entirely misleading if the intention is to show treatment of animals which is unlawful in this country and then to describe it as a "taste for adventure". Will my noble friend at least convey to the BBC the displeasure of one noble Lord over their irresponsibility in showing this programme?

Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH

My Lords, I am sure that Hansard will do the job far better than I when it appears tomorrow morning. I will certainly ensure that the attention of the Chairman is drawn to what my noble friend has said. As he will appreciate and as the House will realise, this is a matter for the BBC and not for the Government.