§ Mr. McNamaraasked the President of the Board of Trade why he included in the charter of the Hull trawler "Orsino" a clause allowing the British Trawler Federation to prevent representatives of the British Broadcasting Corporation boarding the vessel on Friday, 29th November.
§ Mr. William RodgersNo such clause was included in the charter.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will give the details of the facilities made available by his Department to Press and television authorities to view the Hull trawler "Orsino" on Friday, 29th November;
(2) what representations he has received from the British Broadcasting Corporation following the refusal to allow their representatives to board the 487W Hull trawler "Orsino" chartered by his Department; and, in view of the public funds expended on the vessel and the public interest in the venture, if he will take steps to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
§ Mr. William RodgersIn view of widespread and proper public interest the Board of Trade made every reasonable facility available to the Press and television authorities who have expressed their appreciation. I regret that the representatives of the British Broadcasting Corporation were prevented from making full use of these facilities, but, as the B.B.C. are fully aware, this unfortunately arose from matters at issue between themselves and the industry.