HC Deb 13 June 1956 vol 554 cc31-2W
69. Sir L. Plummer

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that political impartiality is not being observed in its television feature programmes by the British Broadcasting Corporation; if he has considered the evidence sent to him on this matter by the hon. Member for Deptford; and if he will issue an appropriate notice under Article 15 (4) of the Charter in this regard.

70. Mr. Wigg

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the British Broadcasting Corporation have recently departed from the code of political impartiality by making attacks on members of minority political parties by paid broadcasters speaking outside the agreed programmes of party political broadcasts; and if he will issue a notice under Article 15 (4) of the Charter instructing them to refrain from such departures.

Dr. Hill

The B.B.C. is aware that the Government relies upon it to treat controversial subjects with complete impartiality. I regard the maintenance of such impartiality as of fundamental importance but I am not satisfied that the circumstances call for more formal direction by me.