§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Defence what agreements exist between his Department and the broadcasting authorities for dealing with news in times of national crisis; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyArrangements with the broadcasting authorities are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. I understand, however, that in discussions in the early 1960s the BBC gave assurances that in a time of national crisis it would, without prejudice to its 393W independence of editorial judgement, act with a full sense of responsibility and in consultation with the Government. In their response in Cmnd. 9499 to the Beach report on the protection of military information immediately prior to and during the conduct of operations, the Government agreed that compulsion of the media would be neither practical nor desirable and that voluntary co-operation 394W should be the guiding principle. The Government also accepted that circumstances could arise where additional powers need to be taken for the control of information or special arrangements needed for the live reporting of Parliament. But such matters must be for the Government and Parliament of the day.