§ 43. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Postmaster-General if he will issue a direction to the British Broadcasting Corporation instructing them to refrain from broadcasting television programmes containing unwarranted reflections against the repute of Her Majesty's Prison Service.
§ Mr. BennNo. But I understand the B.B.C. has broadcast an apology for a recent programme which the hon. Gentleman may have in mind.
§ 55. Mr. Farrasked the Postmaster-General he will use his powers under the Licence and Agreement to direct the British Broadcasting Corporation not to send out programmes of a low moral value.
§ 82. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Postmaster-General if he will direct the British Broadcasting Corporation under the Licence and Agreement not to broadcast other programmes at a time when weather forecasts for shipping are being broadcast, especially during bad weather.
§ Mr. BennAs I have already said in reply to earlier Questions, programme content is a matter for the B.B.C. Successive Governments have upheld the principle that they do not intervene in matters of programme content.
§ 76. Sir Rolf Dudley Williamsasked the Postmaster-General whether he will use his power under the Licence and Agreement to direct the British Broadcasting Corporation not to send programmes about Rhodesia containing other than factual information.
§ Mr. BennThe content of programmes broadcast in the external services, as in the home services, is the responsibility of the B.B.C.