§ 30. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Postmaster-General if, in view of the showing on television of hanging scenes such as that in the film "The Unforgiven" on Independent Television on Sunday, 4th February, he will now direct the Independent Television Authority and the British Broadcasting Corporation to refrain from broadcasting such programmes.
§ Mr. Edward Short:No. I understand the hon. Gentleman's concern. However, as I explained in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Ladywood (Mr. Victor Yates) on 5th February, the content of their programmes is the responsibility of the broadcasting authorities, and 396W their rules deal particularly with the presentation of violence.
I have, however, drawn the attention of the two Chairmen to my own concern and that of a number of hon. Members at the showing of programmes of this kind.—[Vol. 758, c.31–2.]