HC Deb 17 March 1986 vol 94 cc7-8W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proposals from the Common Market Commission on the content of television programmes in EEC countries; and if he will explain the extent to which his Under-Secretary of State, Lord Glenarthur, has been involved in discussions on these issues with the Commission.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I understand that the Commission is preparing a draft directive arising out of the proposals in its Green Paper on broadcasting of June 1984, but that no final decisions have yet been taken on its content. As indicated in paragraph 92 of the recent report from the House of Lords' Select Committee on the European Communities (HL43), it is believed that the Commission has been considering the possibility of quotas on certain types of programming. My right hon. Friend and I discussed the Green Paper proposals with the Commissioner responsible, Lord Cockfield, at a meeting on 14 February at which my noble Friend, the Under-Secretary of State, was also present.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the proposed directives on the content of television programmes in EEC countries will fall to be considered within the procedures which permit majority voting in the Council; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Giles Shaw

It will be for the European Commission, in proposing a draft directive, to indicate the powers under which it might be made; and subsequently for the Council to decide which articles of the treaty would be appropriate.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the EEC Commission wishes to restrict United States television programmes and substitute programmes from EEC countries.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I cannot answer for the Commission.