§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the committee of inquiry which has been set up relating to cable and broadcasting has invited the various religious denominations in Scotland to make submissions: and if he will consider extending the closing date for submissions from 30 September to 31 December.
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§ Mr. WhitelawThe inquiry into cable expansion and broadcasting policy has been anxious to receive evidence from all organisations and individuals wishing to offer views on the issues which it is studing. I understand that among those who have made submissions is the British Council of Churches, of which the Baptist Union of Scotland, the Church of Scotland, the Congregational Union of Scotland, the Episcopal Church in Scotland and the United Free Church of Scotland are members, and the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland is a consultant observer.
I have asked for the inquiry's report by 30 September so that the Government can be in a position to take decisions on these important issues by about the end of this year. The inquiry asked for submissions by 31 May, if possible. I understand that it will be willing to consider any further written evidence which is sent to it reasonably soon.