§ Mr. Stoddartasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to consider the effects of showing on television programmes involving violence, riots and looting.
§ Mr. MayhewThese issues were among those studied by the Annan committee on the future of broadcasting, which reported in 1977. Since then the broadcasting authorities have reviewed their guidelines on the portrayal of violence on television, and they are continuing to keep them under review. We know that the broadcasting authorities are keenly aware of their responsibilities in this field and we do not believe that the institution of a further inquiry is called for.