§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the directive on broadcasting was published by the Commission; when it will be considered by the Council of Ministers; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the provisions of the directive.
§ Mr. MellorThe draft directive was published on 7 May and is under discussion in an official working group of the Council. We do not believe that a case of Community legislation on these aspects of broadcasting has yet been made out.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what representations he has received from the British Broadcasting Corporation, the 303W Independent Broadcasting Authority and other interested bodies regarding the European Economic Community broadcasting directive; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorWe have received representations from most of the relevant interests, including the broadcasters, the cable service providers and the programme production, advertising and copyright interests. Most of the interested bodies are sceptical of the need for Community legislation. While a few would welcome a directive on broadcast advertising if the present text could be suitably amended, there appears to be general opposition to the other provisions of the draft directive.