§ 23. Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue a direction to the BBC to refrain from the broadcasting of matters likely to promote religious cults or their associated training organisations.
§ Mr. MellorNo. My power to impose broadcasting restrictions on the BBC under clause 13(4) of their licence and agreement is exercised only in extreme circumstances and when it is in the national interest to do so. In other circumstances, programme content is a matter for the broadcasting authorities which operate independently of Government. The BBC is aware of its impartiality obligations, which mean that programmes should not promote any particular viewpoint on religious or other subjects.