§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met the governors of the British Broadcasting Corporation to discuss the corporation's education and training role; and what is his policy on the dissemination of video recordings promoting the services of companies associated with quasi-religious cults.
§ Mr. MellorMy right hon. and learned Friend meets the chairman and governors of the BBC from time to time to discuss a wide range of broadcasting issues.
Under the Video Recordings Act 1984 the British Board of Film Classification has a duty to classify videos in terms of their availability to particular audiences, but those concerned with sport, religion or music are exempted.
The Government understand the concern which some people have about the activities of certain cults and we have considerable sympathy with those whose rights have been adversely affected by such groups, but so long as they operate within the law we do not believe that it would be right to decide that some religious movements are acceptable and some not.