§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport at what time in the morning the watershed period before which programmes unsuitable for family viewing are discouraged, ends. [97592]
§ Janet Anderson[holding answer 8 November 1999]: Under the terms of the watershed agreement the hours between 9.00pm and 5.30am are recognised as being a time at which programmes are aimed towards an adult rather than a family audience.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the suitability for screening prior to the 9.00 p.m. watershed of programmes of United States origin depicting extensive use of firearms. [97588]
§ Janet Anderson[holding answer 8 November 1999]: Responsibility for these matters rests with the broadcasters and regulators. The regulators are independent of the Government and accountable for safeguarding the public interest in broadcasting. They maintain wide ranging guidelines on the standards which should be observed, including the 9.00 p.m. watershed. These guidelines apply to programmes regardless of genre or country of origin.