§ Q9. Mr. A. Lewisasked the Prime Minister what is the practice in regard to acceptance by Ministers of requests to appear on television in their Ministerial capacity in explanation of Departmental policy and not by way of party political broadcasts; and if he will arrange that in future no such offer is accepted by Ministers without first ensuring that a Member of Her Majesty's Opposition is given equal time and opportunity to reply to Her Majesty's Government's case.
§ The Prime MinisterMinisters are at liberty to accept any invitation to appear on a television programme. It is for140W the broadcasting authorities to ensure that a proper impartiality is maintained. I do not think it would be right or generally acceptable for this responsibility to be transferred to the Government of the day.