asked the Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones in Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peeblesshire are not yet fulfilled.

There are now no applications on the waiting list. In Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire and Peeblesshire there are respectively 17, 9 and 5 orders under inquiry or in course of being met.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider displaying notices in telephone kiosks drawing attention to the danger to emergency services resulting from acts of vandalism.

Yes, Sir. I am having appropriately worded notices produced for display in telephone kiosks in selected areas. I am very much concerned that some kiosks are put out of action so frequently and I hope these notices will have a good effect.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there have been over 1,300 cases of vandalism in Birmingham during the last year? Can he say to what extent emergency services have been disrupted?

I am aware of the situation in Birmingham. Even so, the position there is not as bad as it is in the East End of London and in certain parts of Liverpool. To the best of my knowledge, the interference with emergency services has not been considerable, but the purpose of these notices which will be available in a matter of a few weeks is to remind people that in cases of illness or accident a telephone may be essential to members of their own family.

While appreciating the right hon. Gentleman's intent, may I ask whether he has any indication or any reason to believe that vandals would stop to read any such notice, or indeed whether it would be an invitation to some of them? Has the right hon. Gentleman considered using other means, such as the television, in schools and on the radio, to put over to these people and to parents the difficulties which might be caused by vandalism?

The Post Office has already employed a considerable number of physical safeguards but, on the whole, they have not been effective. We are proceeding on the basis to which I have referred because I believe that even vandals are human beings.

asked the Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones are outstanding in the Wycombe constituency.

Leaving out of account the orders under inquiry or being met, there were 612 applicants waiting for telephones on 31st May last in the exchange areas serving the Wycombe constituency.

Is my hon. Friend aware that I find this information a little depressing? We appear to be going backwards in my constituency. Is my hon. Friend aware that the number of applicants is greater now than it was in 1961? Would it not be far better to use the money which is now spent on advertising and persuading people to use the telephone, on providing the necessary equipment?

That may be my hon. Friend's view, but, in fact, telephones in Wycombe are being supplied at a record rate—over 2,600 since 1962—and the demand for telephones in this area is rising at the rate of 34 per cent. per year. If my hon. Friend will consider these figures, he will appreciate that we have been doing very well indeed in connecting all these extra telephones while keeping the waiting list down as low as possible. On the question of advertising, we find that it is valuable to us because there are many parts of the country where we can supply a telephone on demand.

May I ask my hon. Friend to realise that I appreciate only too well the efforts which the Postmaster-General has been making in my constituency, but does not he realise that the forecast of development and expansion in the Wycombe area has been wrong consistently and that there is likely to be a far greater increase now of people requiring telephones in the area? Will he look at the capital programme again in the Wycombe constituency? If he does, I think that he will find that far greater expenditure is needed even than there is now on the planning board.

Yes, Sir. The moneys allocated to the area were increased by 18 per cent. for 1963–64 and there is a further increase of 17 per cent. for 1964–65. This is about as much as can be absorbed efficiently in an area where there is great competition for labour.

asked the Postmaster-General when the new Arbroath telephone exchange will be opened; if it will be automatic; and how many lines it is designed to deal with.

The new Arbroath automatic telephone exchange will open in November and will cater, initially, for about 2,500 lines. S.T.D. facilities will be introduced early next year.

Is the Postmaster-General aware that we in Angus are on the whole very well satisfied with him in his telephone operations, of which this is an example, but that we still want a new post office in Forfar? Will my right hon. Friend set about that before the election?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for what he has said. I do not think that his reference to a new post office arises out of the Question, but we will see what we can do.

asked the Postmaster-General why a telephone for public use has not been installed in the sub-post office opened recently on the Mowmacre Hill Estate, Leicester; and when he will have it installed.

A telephone for public use has not been installed at the sub-post office because there is already a kiosk in a convenient nearby position. We have reviewed the case, however, and have decided to install a public telephone at the sub-post office as quickly as possible.

I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Is he aware that when the plans for this sub-post office on the Mowmacre Hill Estate were passed they included a telephone booth in which a telephone was expected to be installed? Is he aware that I am glad to hear that now, at long last, he has decided to install a telephone there where it was refused before?

It is true that there is a recess in the wall of the premises which was provided by the sub-postmaster and not by the Post Office. As far as we can find, we were not consulted about this recess but the fact that it is there means that we can fit a telephone in it now, and I will have one fitted.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has now completed his review on the possibility of eliminating the extra charges to subscribers suffering from a degree of deafness for amplified telephone handsets; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend is sorry that he is unable to eliminate the extra charge for this handset but is glad to be able to reduce it by one third, from 15s. to 10s. a quarter.

While I am grateful for the small concession to these unfortunate people, which amounts to 5s., may I ask the hon. Gentleman to reconsider this? Will the Minister consult with the Minister of Health to find out exactly what liability would fall on the Government if he were to extend the facility to other people who have the misfortune to be hard of hearing? As the Government already provide Medresco hearing aids, it would amount to little more if they provided this facility especially for elderly citizens.

I can see the hon. Gentleman's point and that is why we have had a special look at the matter. On investigation I find that the difficulty is that there are people other than deaf people who find that this 'phone is an advantage, particularly in noisy surroundings, and so they order it. Therefore, one could not just deduct the cost and restrict it to those whom we feel should have it. The difficulty is that there would be a demand from all sorts of people who would find it an additional aid, but we should have no reason for using the normal revenue to allow them a specially reduced rental.

As there are great variations in the cost of providing subscribers with a telephone service according to the distance from the exchange, is there any objection in principle to providing these amplified telephone handsets in a comparatively small number of cases for the benefit of the physically handicapped and deaf to enable them to be linked to the telephone? Surely it would be in the interests of good public relations for the Post Office to assist subscribers in this way?

Yes, Sir, and this is why, upon looking at the case, I have decided that we can reduce the rental from 15s. to 10s. a quarter. This will just about enable us to break even on this service. As I said earlier, this is not a matter in which we can say that only a certain group of people will obtain the handset, because there are many people who find it an advantage but nevertheless do not require any subsidising.

Would the hon. Gentleman confirm, as he told me in a letter, that local authorities already have power to provide loudspeaking telephone No. 5 for totally disabled subscribers under the National Assistance Act, and also that this applies not only to the capital cost of installation but to the rental charge?

I could not answer that without notice, but we certainly work very closely with local authorities, the Ministry of Health and so on, to try to make certain that we give the best support possible to persons who are genuinely in need of such aid.

asked the Postmaster-General how many Telex instruments have been installed in Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebleshire since 1959; and how many applications are now awaiting installation.

Nine have been installed and there are no outstanding applications.

My hon. Friend must be aware of the value of these Telex instruments. Is he making clear, and is there any advertising which puts before the public, especially the mills in my constituency, the value of these machines, and if not, will he see that some publicity is given to them?

Yes, we do a considerable amount of publicity. In fact, there are now so many of these machines in use that they are publicising themselves and people who see them in operation are very quick to purchase them.

asked the Postmaster-General when the Crown Post Office being constructed in Shotts will be in operation.

By November, 1965.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the delays which occurred before the erection of this building? Does it not seem a long time to wait until November, 1965 before the building is in operation? Surely the building of one Post Office can be hurried up. Can the hon. Gentleman tell me how many workers will be employed in this Post Office and what will be the nature of the operations carried out?

I was not happy about the time and we have been able to reduce it by four months. In reply to the second point, 11 men are employed on the site.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that what I wanted to know was how many people will be working in the Post Office once it is in operation and what operations will be carried out in it as a Post Office?

At the moment I could not answer the hon. Lady's Question, but I will certainly find the answer and send it to her immediately I have it.

What factors have caused the delay which evidently has dismayed both the hon. Gentleman and my hon. Friend the Member for Lanarkshire, North (Miss Herbison)?

There were two main problems. One was the difficulty of getting anybody to tender at a price which we were prepared to consider reasonable. The second was the difficulty of the site which is very exposed and therefore involves a longer building period. These were the basic reasons which I was given. I was not happy about it, and, as I have said, we have now reduced the time by four months.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will ensure that supplies of normal-sized stamps are always available at post offices for members of the public who find them more convenient to use than special issues.

Our standing instructions provide for this. If my hon. Friend knows of any instance in which there have been difficulties, I will gladly look into the matter if he will let me have details.

I thank my hon. Friend but may I tell him of at least two occasions when I was unable to find ordinary-sized stamps? Will he make quite clear to post offices that they should be made available?

Yes, Sir. Stocks of normal issue should be kept and should be available at any post office on demand.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is satisfied that daily postal deliveries in the London area are completed by the time laid down by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

I very much regret that in some parts of London the first letter delivery runs beyond the scheduled finishing time of 9.0 a.m. because of shortage of postmen and staffing difficulties. We are doing our best to overcome these.

Yes, but is my hon. Friend aware that many of the main deliveries in the London area take place well after 9 a.m. when the majority of people have gone to work? Does he not think that it would make for much more efficient service if one delivery were cut out and we had only one and this was completed by or before breakfast time?

The main difficulty is that we cannot start the first delivery earlier because night trains have not then arrived at the main termini. The first delivery is governed by the arrival of trains from different parts of the country carrying the mail which must be sorted and then delivered. This is our major problem.

asked the Postmaster-General if the four stamps being issued on 1st July to mark the twentieth International Geographical Congress will be on sale in Scotland.

Yes, Sir.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the motif on these stamps is motorways and that so far we have no motorways in Scotland? Surely it is an insult to Scotland to have these stamps on sale when we have no motorways.

It is obvious that the hon. Gentleman has looked at only one of the stamps. That is the motif on one stamp. He will be interested in the other stamps, if he cares to purchase them, because one of them depicts Dounreay.

asked the Postmaster-General how many persons between 15 and 18 years are employed by the Post Office; and how many are granted day release.

17,235 and 12,470 respectively at the last return in October, 1963.

In the light of the Henniker Heaton Report, why does not the Post Office make day release compulsory?

We make day release compulsory for technical courses. While we still make day release for general education voluntary, we encourage it as much as we can.

asked the Postmaster-General how many boys and girls, respectively, he employs in Scotland; and how many are allowed day release for educational purposes.

At the last return in October, 1963, the numbers of staff under 18 were 592 boys and 396 girls, of whom 541 and 272, respectively, were having day release.

Does the hon. Gentleman recognise that this is a much better record for day release than the deplorable record of private industry but that, nevertheless, it leaves quite a lot to be desired? What steps is the Department taking to pioneer compulsory day release for all these boys and girls, to give a much more imaginative lead to lagging private industry in this respect?

As I have said, we make it compulsory for all technical education and we do all we can to make possible and to encourage young employees to attend for general education in day release. Obviously, there are problems in an organisation such as ours, which works in diverse areas where educational facilities differ. We are trying as best we can, however, to make certain that as many as possible attend on day release.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider redesignating the parish of Burtnwood as a single postal district, subordinate to the post office at Walsall, in the light of the present confusion which exists following the arrival of substantial over-spill population and private commercial interests, and the present split up of this parish between Walsall and Lichfield by his Department; and whether he will make such an arrangement, pending the publication of a town map and the building of a main Burntwood Post Office, using the designation Burntwood 1, Burnt-wood 2, Burntwood 3 and Burntwood 4 to indicate the Chasetown, Chase Terrace, Burntwood and Boney Hay areas of this substantial parish.

I am not aware of any great confusion that exists with the postal addresses in the parish of Burntwood. It is clear that certain minor adjustments of present postal boundaries are called for. These are being arranged, and I have also asked for a longer term review of postal arrangements in the area to be undertaken.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we shall examine that proposal with great interest? Why is he so stubborn about the interests of this overspill receiving area? Is he aware that week after week I send him well-documented evidence of the rotten postal service in this area which results largely from the arrival of overspill and also from the planned increased industrialisation? Will the hon. Gentleman bear these factors in mind and read my suggestion in the way intended, because it was meant to be constructive?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General why the Post Office required Mr. D. Phillips to pay £50 towards the loss incurred when his sub-office was robbed in March, 1961.

The burglary at Mr. Phillips's office, which led to the loss of over £3,600 in cash and stock, was made easier by some lack of care in safeguarding the keys of the office and the safe.

Does the hon. Gentleman recall that Mr. Phillips was in the habit of giving the keys to his assistant, that he gave her instructions to take them home and put them in a safe place, and this she did regularly, and that he was found to be at fault only in the sense that he told her not to keep the keys in her bedroom in case there should be a burglary and she was subjected to attack during the night? Was this really unreasonable? Will the Minister compare the view taken by the Post Office in this case with the view taken by the joint stock banks in similar cases and see whether it is reasonable to demand of a man who was making a very modest living from his sub-post office a fine of this kind?

These cases are always difficult, as the hon. Member will realise. In this case, however, it is important to point out that upon leaving the office the lady put the keys into her shopping bag and then left them in the pantry. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that an intended thief might have seen that take place. In our opinion, it contributed, or could have contributed, to the loss and, therefore, is was carelessness or negligence.

asked the Postmaster-General what rules are laid down as to the financial liability of sub-postmasters for thefts on their premises leading to a loss to the Post Office; if he will define the precautions they are expected to take; and if he will make a statement.

Under Post Office rules a sub-postmaster is responsible for all losses caused through his own negligence, carelessness or error, and also for losses of all kinds incurred by his assistants. In burglary cases, we seek a contribution from the sub-postmaster only when it is considered that there has been some lack of reasonable care. We give sub-postmasters general advice on security precautions, and head postmasters are always ready to discuss with them questions specifically affecting their offices. It would be impracticable to define precautions precisely to suit widely differing circumstances in some 23,000 sub-post offices.

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm the information which I have had from the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters that on appointment a sub-postmaster is given no account of the rules that the Post Office expects him to observe in these matters and is not told that he will be financially liable in cases of this kind? Will there be a review of the whole arrangements in consultation with the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters in the light of the Phillips case, which I have quoted in Question No. 32? May I again particularly ask the hon. Gentleman to compare the rules which are insisted upon by the Post Office with the rules of the joint stock banks, which on the whole seem to be more reasonable in these cases?

A number of forms are given to a sub-postmaster on taking office and one is "Hints to Sub-Postmasters", which gives a lot of instructions and advice about how sub-postmasters should try to manage their business.

While not wishing to condone negligence anywhere, may I ask whether the Minister is aware that in all probability no insurance company would have refused to pay a claim on grounds such as those which my hon. Friend has mentioned? Is it not a little bit harsh, therefore, for the Government as employers to insist upon a condition like this?

The right hon. Gentleman refers to the Government as employers, which in this case we are not. The sub-postmaster acts as an agent for the Post Office and is, therefore, in a different position from a normal employee of the Government. One of the things which we have to make certain is that the sub-postmaster is at all times aware that he is responsible for the matters under his care. In cases of negligence, we simply ask for a small contribution, which in relation to the amount of money lost is reasonably small.

Can my hon. Friend say how many sub-postmasters take the wise precaution of insuring their stock—which, indeed, is the stock of the Post Office—against an event of this kind?

indicated dissent.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that Independent Television Authority broadcasts continue to be interrupted by advertisement periods without there being any break in the programme itself, one example, admitted by the Authority, being at 9.45 p.m. on 15th May; and, in view of the fact that such interruptions constitute a breach of the Television Act, if he will introduce legislation to enable the members of the Board of the Independent Television Authority to be prosecuted in the courts for such breaches of the law.

It is the duty of the I.T.A. to enforce the provisions of the Television Acts. However, it tells me, as I understand it has told the hon. Member, that the incident referred to by him was a mistake due to a human error. The answer to the second part of the Question is "No, Sir."

Is not a principle at stake here? Is the Board to get off scot-free every time it allows the Act to be broken in order that contractors can make more profit? Why should the Board be treated differently from directors of ordinary companies who, when they break the Companies Act which covers their operations, are prosecuted, fined and possibly imprisoned? Why this difference when profits are being illegally made?

The hon. Member is making rather heavy weather of a small thing. [HON. MEMBERS: "The law."] I should like to put this matter in perspective. First, the Authority has freely admitted that an error was made. During the past 12 months advertisements have been inserted in about 5,500 intervals of which 2,500 were in natural breaks and 3,000 between programmes. During the whole of that period there have been only three reported infringements.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that in the last week or two, in furtherance of this kind of breach, the noble Lord, Lord Hill, has not given an assurance to television companies that they will have extra advertising time to make up for the time which they may have lost during the period of the strike?

I am sure that that is most improbable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the natural breaks themselves are a form of abuse night after night? Is he aware that they were defined originally as breaks which would have occurred anyhow but not artificially made for the insertion of advertisements? Is he aware that breaks are made for the insertion of advertisements night after night and that this has gone on for years while he has been Postmaster-General?

As hon. Members know, this has always been a vexed and tricky question, but Parliament has decided on more than one occasion that advertisements should be allowed during natural breaks. This is largely a question of the nature of the programme. In the programme referred to it was wrong to assume a break between ice-skating contestants, and this has been freely admitted.

asked the Postmaster-General what reply he has made to a letter from the Advertising Inquiry Council enclosing a memorandum setting out the arguments for banning cigarette advertising on commercial television.

I will send the hon. Member a copy of the reply. It was made clear in the letter that I do not propose to ban cigarette advertisements on television.

In view of the recent medical evidence, which is accepted by the Government, is it not fantastic that cigarette advertising on television should be running at a much higher level than before the Report of the Royal College of Physicians and that the sum spent on it is constantly increasing? Will the right hon. Gentleman look at this matter again and take action at the earliest possible opportunity?

With respect to the hon. Gentleman, his assertion that expenditure has risen on this form of advertising because there is more advertising is not true. Expenditure has risen because the rates for television advertising have been increased. The amount of time devoted to cigarette advertising is less than it was during, I think, 1961 and 1962. This is a difficult question and it is widely recognised to be a difficult question, but the I.T.A.'s Advertising Advisory Committee, which has this subject under almost continuous review, has decided, for the time being at any rate, not to recommend a complete ban.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the Council is making any recommendations about the advertising of motor cars since they are just as lethal as cigarettes?

Would not the Postmaster-General agree that we could overcome this difficulty in another way? Would he consider insisting that each cigarette advertisement on I.T.V. should be accompanied by a warning that the average loss of expectation of life from smoking one cigarette is six minutes?

I understand that the Authority is quite prepared to accept some of the films being prepared by the Central Office of Information in that direction.

On a point of order. In view of the entirely unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps are being taken to provide a low-power television station to serve West Dunbartonshire; and what is the estimated cost of such a station.

I am at present considering the B.B.C. plans for further satellite stations. These would serve only a comparatively small proportion of the many areas still without proper reception. I cannot yet say whether there will be a station to serve West Dunbartonshire. The cost of these stations varies according to such factors as the cost of the site and the area of coverage, and I am sorry that I cannot at present give an estimate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Helensburgh, the birthplace of John Logie Baird, a plaque has just been erected to his memory and that, while the residents of Helensburgh can look at the plaque, they are still unable to enjoy the fruits of his labour? In view of the fact that they are still unable to get B.B.C. 1 and that it is impossible for them to get Independent Television, would it not be a very good thing if they were able to get some reception before money was spent on B.B.C. 2 and colour television?

A lot of people take the view that, technically, it is much easier to invent television as a service than to make sure that people get good reception. I agree that there are difficulties in Helensburgh, and I will undertake to let the hon. Gentleman know if there is to be a station there as soon as I can.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the concern about the poor reception of British Broadcasting Corporation television in the Hull area; and if he will take steps to improve reception; and if he will give consideration to the introduction of a television licence rebate scheme in the area.

asked the Postmaster-Geenral if he is aware that the reception of British Broadcasting Corporation television in the East Riding of Yorkshire is suffering again from bad interference this summer; and why remedial action has not been taken.

I hope that reception in the Hull area will be improved when the new B.B.C. Band III television station at Belmont, Lincolnshire, comes into service about the end of next year.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that this appalling interference on B.B.C. television in the summer months has been going on for several years and that there has been no improvement? As a result, there is considerable feeling among many of my constituents about the fact that they have to pay the same licence fee for one programme as many other people pay for three programmes. Would my right hon. Friend, therefore, reconsider the possibility of introducing a rebate scheme?

I do not think that it is feasible to work out a scheme of the sort suggested by my hon. Friend, but I am fairly confident that when the new Belmont station is in operation—as I say, it will be in operation by the end of next year—there will be a very big improvement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Bridlington, Flamborough and Scarborough areas television reception in summer between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. is too bad and that this has been going on for summer after summer? Interference now is quite chronic. Viewers are in a state of rebellion about having to pay the full licence fee. They know all the reasons for this because they have been given them year after year by the public relations officers of the right hon. Gentleman's Department. What they want is not promises about remedial action but action as soon as possible.

I indicated in my reply that action would be taken as soon as possible in that part of Yorkshire.

On a point of order. I am wondering why the Table accepted Question No. 19 in exactly the same words as Question No. 22. I can understand—

When we get there, some matter might arise. At present we are still dealing with supplementary questions to Question No. 18.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that my screen looks distinctly woozy at weekends and has done for some weeks past? My interest is in south-west England where reception apparently has been equally bad compared with reception in other hon. Members' areas. Will my right hon. Friend bear that in mind, too?

Yes, Sir.

Is the Postmaster-General aware that this interference and the concern about it is not limited to this area? It is widespread. We in the west of Scotland certainly have serious complaints about it. May we be given an assurance by the Government that something is being done, apart from the usual notice that we see stating, "Do not adjust your set. The trouble is due to foreign interference."? This is very annoying and there is a feeling that nothing is being done about it.

I appreciate the force of what the hon. Gentleman said. I am in touch with the B.B.C. from time to time urging it to take all practicable steps to put this right.

With regard to the point of order raised prematurely by the hon. Member for Peterborough (Sir Harmar Nicholls), the Question is on the Order Paper because it is in order. It is not out of order because other Questions are in the same terms.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will introduce legislation to provide that, when the Independent Television Authority obtains the withdrawal of a programme to be transmitted by a programme contractor, the Authority should make the programme available to him for his own use and for the use of hon. Members.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will introduce legislation to provide that, when the Independent Television Authority withdraws a programme arranged by a programme contractor, the Authority should make it possible for hon. Members to see it.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will introduce legislation to require the Independent Television Authority to make available in the Library of the House of Commons the text of any broadcast the transmission of which it has vetoed.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will introduce legislation to ensure that the Chairman of the Independent Television Authority must consult him before deciding to withdraw programmes on the ground of political content.

The suggestions in the hon. Members' Questions seem to indicate a desire that I should intervene in programme content and administration. Successive Governments have firmly left this to the broadcasting organisations. Parliament itself sets the rules, as in the Television Acts for the I.T.A., and it is the Authority's responsibility to see that the rules are observed.

Why should not Parliament find out how the censorship of these programmes is being carried out? Has the Postmaster-General seen the script of the "World in Action" film on the Olympic Games? If he has, will he let us know what he thinks about it; and why should not the House of Commons see it, too?

The position is quite simple. The Television Act, 1954, included three particular requirements within the context of these Questions. The first was impartiality in programmes of political controversy or which related to current public policy. The second was that the Authority should ensure that there were balanced programmes. The third was that editorial opinion should be excluded. When the Television Bill of 1963 was debated, the requirement about impartiality was relaxed so that a series of programmes could be treated as one. I think that that was generally acceptable to the House. I am bound to add that during all our debates on this Bill no hon. Member on either side of the House suggested that these provisions were objectionable. All that the Chairman of the I.T.A. has been doing has been discharging his responsibility to see that the law is not infringed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not only did the I.T.A. refuse to make available the text of this broadcast "World in Action" but also forbade it to Granada Television as well? Although he will not introduce legislation along the lines suggested in this Question, will he confirm that there is nothing to prevent the I.T.A. from placing copies of the text in the Library of the House, which would be for the general convenience of hon. Members?

My position is quite clear. I have no power whatever under any legislation to call for programmes of this type or any other. The Government do not propose to seek that power. If I were to call for that particular programme, or indeed for any other programme, for the purpose referred to by the hon. Gentleman, it would certainly constitute an implicit criticism of the behaviour of the Authority, and I do not think that that would be right.

Even though the Chairman of the Authority may be exercising control with justice, it is difficult to see him doing so when be was previously one of the top ten of the Government party. Would it not be more fair to him if the suggestion in Question No. 41 were followed and the right hon. Gentleman were consulted whenever a programme criticising the Government was withdrawn, so that the responsibility could be seen clearly to rest upon the Government for its withdrawal?

No, certainly not. It was never the intention of Parliament that the House of Commons or Parliament as a whole should enjoy such power. That is the responsibility of the Authority. As regards the suggestion made by the hon. Gentleman in his opening gambit, I think that was a most unworthy suggestion. The Chairman of the Independent Authority, in which the Government and, I believe, the country have full confidence, has abandoned all interest in active politics.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in democracy it is very important that political impartiality should be observed both by the I.T.A. and the B.B.C.? Is he further aware that some of us have had rather grave doubts on this subject in recent years, particularly where Granada Television is concerned?

I think that there is something in what my hon. Friend says—[HON. MEMBERS: ''Oh.''] If it is the wish of the House of Commons that in the case of the B.B.C. and the I.T.A. their impartiality should go by the board and that those organisations should be free to express their editorial opinions, then Parliament ought to say so, but so far Parliament has not said so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us why an opportunity for hon. Members to view this in the cinema in Westminster Hall would be considered a reflection or criticism on anybody, and, if not, why should we not sec it?

I have already explained to the House that I have no power in the first place to call for this or any other programme—

It could be asked for.

and if, despite the absence of that power, I were to ask for the programme to be shown here I think that that would be an implicit criticism of the Authority.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the fact that I have been accused by the Minister of making an unworthy comment, after specifically having gone out of my way not to question the impartiality of the Chairman, have I any protection from the Chair against that accusation?

I think that what the hon. Gentleman said was—and my attention sometimes flags at Question Time—that it would be desirable for the protection of a particular individual that it should be made clear that he was not involved in some nefarious way. I hope that my recollection will be confirmed by HANSARD, and that ought to be enough to clear the hon. Gentleman from any misfortune resulting from the exchange.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will introduce legislation to establish a Viewers' Committee representative of all opinions to advise the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Television Authority on the standards, timing and moral tone to be adopted by them in programme content.

The B.B.C. Charter and the Television Act already impose obligations on the B.B.C. and I.T.A. respectively to ascertain public opinion on their programmes and to consider criticisms and suggestions. Both organisations have General Advisory Councils, regional advisory committees and specialist advisory committees. Both are obliged to have regard to good taste and decency. I feel that these arrangements encompass what my hon. Friend has in mind.

Surely these odd committees to which my right hon. Friend has referred are highly ineffective, and there is at the moment great feeling in the country about certain programmes. Surely the suggestion of mine ties up very much with the words of Lord Hill of Luton, who said:

"In our work it is really helpful to have comments from people outside the television world both on general trends and individual programmes."

"Sex and violence. B.B.C. say it will go on. No apologies for recent themes."

Verbatim quotation even from a headline is out of order in a Question.

In view of this arrogant, dictatorial attitude, does not my right hon. Friend feel that the time has come when the viewers should be protected? Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a Motion on the Order Paper in the names of many of my hon. Friends on this side of the House on this same theme?

I do not think that I have read the comments to which my hon. Friend refers, but it is fair to say that since the passing of the Television Bill and the exchanges which the Government had with both the B.B.C. and the I.T.A. there has been some improvement on both channels in the matter of violence. For the rest, I am quite sure that the broadcasting authorities will take note of what has been said by my hon. Friend. They are both very sensitive to all expressions of opinion in this House.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will authorise the British Broadcasting Corporation to initiate local broadcasting stations in Scotland.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made on 2nd June.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government are very laggard in encouraging and allowing the B.B.C. to pioneer this kind of activity? Does not the Minister agree that if the B.B.C. were allowed to do this kind of pioneering work, particularly in Scotland, it might do a considerable amount to help the economic development of the area, which everybody in the House so much desires?

I do not quarrel with the sentiments expressed by the hon. Member, but I have made it clear that the Government intend to carry out a review of local sound broadcasting in all its aspects when we have won the next General Election. That review will include Scotland.

Is the House to understand from my right hon. Friend that favourable consideration will be given to commercial local sound broadcasting?

I can only refer my hon. Friend to the carefully worded statement which I made in the House a week or two ago.

Is this another part of the Government's policy which will be unveiled after the election? Would not there be merit in going ahead with this proposal now, particularly in those parts of Scotland which cannot receive even one television channel? Would it not be worth while giving them the opportunity of initiating local broadcasting services?

As the hon. Member will appreciate, there is not a great deal of time before the end of the month and there are many considerations which must be fully thrashed out before decisions are taken.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps are being taken to improve television reception in the whole north-east area.

Television stations are being built by the B.B.C. and by the I.T.A. at Belmont to serve the whole of Lincolnshire and part of the East Riding; at Scarborough to serve the Scarborough-Filey area; and by the B.B.C. in Weardale. A new 1,250 ft. mast at Emley Moor will be shared by the B.B.C. and the I.T.A. and will be used to transmit B.B.C. 2 to south Yorkshire and will improve reception of independent television over much of the North-East.

In view of that long statement from the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask if he is aware that one can liken it to old-fashioned railway coaches—first, second and third-class passengers? Is he aware that in the North-East we are now suffering increasingly from the fact that there comes on television the notice "Do not adjust your set. It is international interference over which we have no control." This is B.B.C. 1. People in the North-East have no idea of B.B.C. 2. Why is the right hon. Gentleman restricting people in the North-East to B.B.C. 1? Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that one-third of my constituents have B.B.C. none? When will the right hon. Gentleman give some semblance of justice to the people in the North-East?

I indicated in my reply that the B.B.C. and the I.T.A. between them are doing a great deal to improve reception in the North-East. I am not clear from what the hon. Gentleman said whether he wants B.B.C. 2 as well as B.B.C. 1 or not.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that most people in the North-East are extremely grateful for the advance he is making in putting a relay station in Weardale, and would like to express their appreciation to him for this? Also, would he in future when answering Questions about the North-East not include Lincolnshire?

Yes, Sir, indeed, but there have been so many Questions on this subject that it was difficult to avoid that.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that his hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. P. Williams) has little knowledge of the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Durham, Northwest (Mr. Ainsley)? Also, can he tell the House what is being done to obviate the disturbance that we are suffering from as a result of foreign interference?

I have already answered several questions on the second point mentioned by the hon. Member. As to the position of my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. P. Williams), I seem to recall the by-election result at Sunderland some years ago which was not too bad at all.

asked the Prime Minister (1) the function of the Honours Scrutiny Committee; whether they have the power to reject honours recommended by a Government; and how many were rejected by that Committee in the past five years;

I am sending the right hon. Member a copy of the relevant Order of the Privy Council setting out the terms of reference of the Committee. It cannot reject names.

Now, will the Prime Minister answer my first Question: what is the function of the Honours Scrutiny Committee and how many recommendations has it accepted or rejected?

The right hon. Gentleman will find the function of the Committee in the terms of reference. They are to review names, if necessary, and to report upon them to the Prime Minister.

Is there a woman on this distinguished Committee?

Not yet.

In view of his reply, may I ask the Prime Minister whether it is not the case that in the last five years the Honours Scrutiny Committee has not rejected a single recommendation made by successive Governments and that it has neither the staff nor the power to reject any recommendation? If I am correct in the assumption that this Committee has not rejected a single recommendation in the past five years, what is the purpose of continuing this farce? Ought not the Honours Scrutiny Committee to be abandoned?

I said in my reply to the right hon. Gentleman that the Committee could not reject but that it can make recommendations to the Prime Minister. It has done so on a number of occasions in recent years.

Will my right hon. Friend consider altering the rules so that an honour might be awarded to the public relations expert who managed all the commercials this morning about the allegedly beneficent intervention by the Leader of the Opposition in the Independent Television strike which was certainly the pseudo event of the year and which seems to have left the wretched union in a rather worse position than it was before the strike began?

I cannot think that that arises out of this Question or any answer to it.

If the Committee cannot delete names, has it the power to suggest names? Is the Prime Minister aware that there are at least two Scottish Tory Members of Parliament who are not yet knights?

If I may reply to one of them, the answer is "No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the world's great danger is racial conflict; and what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to improve world racial relationships.

I would refer the hon. Member to my speech in the foreign affairs debate on 17th June.

Is the Prime Minister aware that since then there was an excellent programme on "Panorama" on 30th June in which the star performer said that the world's greatest danger is racial conflict? As the Prime Minister said that on that programme, will he now help to do something positive to assist my hon. Friend the Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) in getting his Bill through this House against the opposition of the back benches opposite?

It would be more polite to answer that supplementary question when the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) is present.

But is the Prime Minister aware that the hon. Member for Eton and Slough is at this moment celebrating the independence of Nyasaland, which is now Malawi, and that that shows that he has done something positive? May we now ask the Prime Minister to do something positive about racial relationships?

The hon. Gentleman asked me if I was aware of this racial problem. As I was one of the first to call attention to it, I think I am.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we all very much welcomed his reference the other night to the fact that the Commonwealth is the greatest multiracial association in the world? Is he further aware that when Hugh Gaitskell said that in 1962, he was accused by the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor of living in the past?

The right hon. Gentleman is always able to remember his own speeches to the date and the hour. Apparently he is now referring to a speech of which I should like notice before answering his question, but I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Member from Bromley (Mr. H. Macmillan) has never denied—how could he?—that the Commonwealth is a multiracial association.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that it is a contribution to the improvement of world racial relationships to continue to supply arms to South Africa in defiance of United Nations resolutions?

No, Sir, but it would be a contribution to the defence of India, Pakistan, Ceylon, the Aden Federation and Malaysia if we had the facilities of the Simonstown Agreement

rose—

We must get back to automatic telephone exchanges at Rutherglen. Question No. 34.