§ Q10. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Prime Minister what changes have been introduced in the practice of his Administration regarding the giving of Ministerial broadcasts.
§ The Prime Minister:On my own initiative a new Aide Memoire relating to Ministerial broadcasts was agreed between the B.B.C. and the two leading parties and announced on 3rd April, 1969. In the case of the more imporant broadcasts my proposals gave the Opposition for the first time an automatic right of reply which, if exercised, would lead to a third programme for which invitations to participate would be extended not only to the two main parties but also to any party with electoral support comparable to that of the Liberal Party at the date of the Aide Memoire. These arrangements are set out on pages 87 and 88 of the B.B.C. Handbook 1970, a copy of which is available in the Library.