HC Deb 04 May 1978 vol 949 cc220-1W
33. Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further discussions he has had with the chairman of the Independent Broadcasting Authority concerning the manner and timing of consultations with the public prior to decisions being made in respect of new contracts for independent television companies after 1981.

Mr. John

My noble Friend the Minister of State and my right hon. Friend have met the chairman and members of the Independent Broadcasting Authority on several occasions since the publication of the Annan Committee's Report on the future of broadcasting. The Committee's recommendations concerning public consultations in connection with the award of programme contracts, and the Authority's comments on these recommendations, have been among the matters discussed.