HC Deb 16 November 1955 vol 546 cc45-6W
110. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Postmaster-General what regulations he has made under Section 7 of the Television Act, 1954, about exclusive contracts made by the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Television Authority relating to cricket Test Matches; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Hill

None. In August last the Post Office invited the B.B.C. and the I.T.A. to confer together with a view to reaching a voluntary agreement on those events of national interest which, in fulfilment of the intentions of Section 7 of the Television Act, 1954, they would jointly recommend to be available for televising by both organisations. As a basis, the Post Office expressed the view that there would be general agreement that among such events of national interest would be the Derby, the Grand National, the Football Association Cup Final, the All-England Lawn Tennis Championships, the Test Matches and the Boat Race. The B.B.C. and the I.T.A. agreed to work on this basis; the talks between them arc still proceeding and I am awaiting their recommendations.