HC Deb 22 March 1971 vol 814 c31W
107. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will introduce legislation to provide a statutory obligation on the governors of the British Broadcasting Corporation similar to that placed on the Independent Television Authority by Section 3(1)(a) of the Television Act, 1964, with the addition of an embargo on the participation in programmes of anonymous criminals.

Mr. Chataway

No. The B.B.C. recognises that it is under the same obligations as those imposed on the I.T.A. under the subsection quoted by my hon. Friend.

108. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will use his powers under paragraph 14(4) of the British Broadcasting Corporation's Licence and Agreement and Section 3(1)(a) of the Television Act, 1964, to require the broadcasting authorities not to show anonymous Irish Republican Army gunmen.

Mr. Chataway

No, it would not be appropriate for me to use my reserve powers to veto the broadcasting of any matter for such a purpose. Programme content is the responsibility of the B.B.C. and the I.T.A. alone, and I do not intervene.

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