§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the Government's policy on the future of broadcasting.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe Government have decided to set up a committee of inquiry into the future of broadcasting with the following terms of reference
To consider the future of the broadcasting services in the United Kingdom, including the dissemination by wire of broadcast and other programmes and of television for public showing; to consider the implications for present or any recommended additional services of new techniques; and to propose what constitutional, organisational and financial arrangements and what conditions should apply to the conduct of all these services.Lord Annan has agreed to serve as chairman of the committee. I will announce the names of the other members as soon as possible. In order to allow time for the committee to complete its task and for consideration of its proposals the Government propose to bring forward legislation to extend the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act 1973, which expires in July 1976, to July 1979. The Charter of the BBC will be extended for a similar period.