§ 63. Mr. A. Lewisasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the growing practice of the British Broadcasting Corporation and independent television companies of inviting Ministers to make statements on Government policy on new Bills and White Papers; and, in view of the public's desire to hear all points of view, if he will introduce legislation to require the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent 97W Television Authority to offer opportunities to representatives of opposition parties equivalent to those offered to Ministers.
§ Mr. BevinsIt is the responsibility of the B.B.C. and of the I.T.A. to ensure impartiality in controversial subjects. The appearance of Ministers in programmes such as the hon. Gentleman describes are not regard as party political broadcasting. Their primary purpose is to inform.