BBC BROADCASTING DIRECTIONS

HL Deb 03 November 1988 vol 501 cc469-70WA

Lord Harris of Greenwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On which occasion the BBC has received directions under the licence and agreement debarring them from broadcasting interviews or items of news; and what was the character of those directions.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)

In 1927, when the original licence was granted to the BBC, the corporation was directed not to broadcast its own opinion on current affairs or on matters of public policy. This direction still stands, and a similar restriction applies to the IBA. In 1927 the BBC was directed not to broadcast matters of political, industrial or religious controversy. In 1955 the BBC was directed to refrain from broadcasting statements or discussions on matters during the fortnight before they were due to be debated in Parliament. These directions were subsequently withdrawn. The BBC was also directed in 1955 to refrain at all times from broadcasting controversial party political broadcasts other than those arranged in agreement with the leading political parties. This direction was also subsequently withdrawn.