§ Mr. Doverasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek powers to enable him to require the broadcasting authorities to classify broadcast programmes in terms of their suitability for various audiences.
§ Mr. MayhewNo. My right hon. Friend does not think it necessary or desirable to seek such powers. The 233W broadcasting authorities are bound by specific obligations in respect of programme standards and by a requirement to consider the suitability of particular programmes to be broadcast when large numbers of children and young people may be expected to be watching or listening; and it is their practice to include appropriate information in their programme journals. A requirement to classify programmes might impair the authorities' general responsibility for their programme decisions.