§ 140. Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the European directive on broadcasting in so far as it relates to television shopping.
§ Mr. MellorThe EC directive on broadcasting, which was adopted on 3 October 1989, provides in article 18 that member states shall limit to no more than one hour per day the broadcasting of forms of advertisements such as direct offers to the public for the sale, purchase or rental of products or for the provisions of services. Article 20 enables member states to lay down different conditions in respect of broadcasts intended solely for reception within their national boundaries and which may not be received, directly or indirectly, in one or more other member states.
The Government are currently considering the detailed implementation of the directive, which must be complied with by 2 October 1991 at the latest.