HL Deb 29 March 1988 vol 495 cc596-7

2.53 p.m.

Lord Graham of Edmonton asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether TV-am is in breach of its contract and if so what steps they are taking to ensure that the Independent Broadcasting Authority fulfils its duties under the Broadcasting Act 1981 by taking appropriate measures against TV-am.

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, it is entirely for the Independent Broadcasting Authority to determine the way it discharges its responsibilities under the Broadcasting Act 1981.

Lord Graham of Edmonton

My Lords, is the Minister aware that when TV-am applied for and got the franchise, it promised that it would extend regional coverage, community input and consumer affairs? None of that has been delivered. Perhaps I may ask the Minister a simple question: if the premises upon which the franchise was obtained are false, surely the Government should demand of the IBA that it fulfil its obligations under the Broadcasting Act 1981?

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, under the Broadcasting Act 1981 the IBA is required to ensure that programmes broadcast by the authority maintain a high general standard, a proper balance and a wide range in their subject matter. If the authority should conclude that a particular contractor was not fulfilling his contract it would be open to the authority to take such steps as are necessary to secure compliance with the contract or to terminate the contract.

Baroness Phillips

My Lords, surely the Minister is not completely quoting the Act. The IBA specified that any concession that was given must include more British material than material bought in from other countries. Now TV-am is certainly contravening the Act. I hope the Minister will accept that it may be the responsibility of the Government to see that the Act is carried out completely.

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, of course I take the noble Baroness's point. But I must again repeat that it is ultimately the responsibility of the IBA to see that its contractors carry out its wishes as laid down in the contract.

Lord Graham of Edmonton

My Lords, if it is the view of the Government that the IBA is failing to fulfil those obligations—and the Government are entitled to a view—what are the Government intending to do about it? If what we hear is true and there is to be an inquiry into the state of the television industry, will the Minister make sure that among the matters examined are not only the obligations of employees but also the obligations of employers to carry out their legal statutory requirements?

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, one of the fundamental principles of our system of public service broadcasting is that the broadcasting authority should be free from government interference in its day-to-day affairs. I am sure noble Lords agree that it would be a sad day if this important principle were to be jeopardised.

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