§ 16. Mr. Mayhewasked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many applications have been received from advertisers for licences to sponsor television programmes; to what extent Her Majesty's Government invites such applications; and what replies have been sent.
§ Mr. GammansAs I told the hon. Gentleman two weeks ago, no applications have been invited from advertisers or anyone else. I cannot give the hon. Gentleman the exact information for which he asks, because no attempt has been made to find out from the many applicants whether or not they are advertisers, or, if they are known to be advertisers, in what capacity they wish to interest themselves in competitive television.
The Incorporated Society of British Advertisers and the Institute of Incorporated Practitioners in Advertising have, however, informed my noble Friend that it was contrary to their rules for any agent to have a substantial financial interest in the ownership of any advertising medium, and they are not in favour of sponsoring in the American sense.
§ 17. Mr. Mayhewasked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy in regard to sponsored television.
§ Mr. GammansI would ask the hon. Member to await publication of the White Paper.