HC Deb 07 July 1964 vol 698 cc55-6W
19. Mr. H. Lever

asked the Postmaster-General if he will introduce legislation to provide that, when the Independent Television Authority obtain the withdrawal of a programme to be transmitted by a programme contractor, the Authority should make it available to him for his own use and for the use of hon. Members.

Mr. Bevins

The suggestion in the hon. Member's Question seems to indicate a desire that I should intervene in programme content and administration. Successive Governments have firmly left this to the broadcasting organisations. Parliament itself sets the rules, as in the Television Acts for the I.T.A., and it is the Authority's responsibility to see that the rules are observed.

I do not consider it would be appropriate to legislate in order to require either the B.B.C. or the I.T.A. to give me recordings of programmes.

Mr. Driberg

asked the Postmaster-General if, in order that hon. Members may satisfy themselves whether the powers of censorship entrusted to the Independent Television Authority by Act of Parliament are being correctly exercised or not, he will introduce legislation to provide that, when the Independent Television Authority obtain the withdrawal of a programme to be transmitted by a programme contractor, the Authority should make it available to him for his own use and for the use of hon. Members.

Mr. Bevins

I would refer the hon. Member to my Answer to the hon. Member for Manchester, Cheetham (Mr. H. Lever) today.