Television and Radio Programmes (Publication)

HC Deb 09 March 1988 vol 129 cc275-6W

69. Mr. Speller

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will take steps using his powers in relation to monopolies, to facilitate the publication of advance television and radio programmes by newspapers and other periodicals.

Mr. Maude

No. The policies and practices of the British Broadcasting Corporation and of Independent Television Publications Ltd. of limiting the publication by others of advance programme information have already been investigated by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. In a report published on 11 September 1985 the Commission concluded that these policies and practices did not operate against the public interest.