HC Deb 16 April 1964 vol 693 cc106-7W
Mr. Mason

asked the Postmaster-General to what extent he will allow pay television operators during the trial pay television period the use of films after they hate completed a run on the national circuit, specifying the safeguards on behalf of the film exhibitors, independent and otherwise.

Mr. Bevins

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 26th February to the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Swingler). I hope, however, to be able to make a fairly early announcement on this.

Mr. Mason

asked the Postmaster-General to what extent the pay television operators who are operating in trial areas where a university exists will devote viewing time to experiments with educational television in co-operation with the university.

Mr. Bevins

It is too early to say exactly what the programme schedules will contain.

Mr. Mason

asked the Postmaster-General to what extent he is requiring pay television companies to produce a quota of cultural programmes and special programmes designed to satisfy minority audiences during the trial period.

Mr. Bevins

It is my expectation that operators will want to explore the scope and likely demand for such programmes, but no quota is being imposed.

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