COMMERCIAL T.V. CONTRACTS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27499, 5 November 1954, Page 13

COMMERCIAL T.V. CONTRACTS

Government Denies ‘‘Partiality” (Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON. November 3. The Deputy-Leader of the Opposition (Mr Herbert Morrison) today accused the Government of using commercial television to “further the political interests of the Conservative Party.” He told the House of Commons: "We are making a charge of political partiality against the Government, and it may be a case against the Independent Television Authority.” Labour members complained that two of the three contracts to run television stations which have so far been offered, have gone to groups which include Conservative newspapers.

But the Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr David Gammans) said the Post-master-General saw no reason to doubt the willingness and ability of the authority—to carry out its legal obligations to ensure independence, and to see that all political issues were treated with complete impartiality. Mr Gammans denied “absolutely” Mr Morrison’s “implication” that the Government had brought pressure to bear on the authority in its choice of programme contractors. He added: “It had no responsibility whatever for the choice.”

A fourth programme contractor for the new commercial television service was announced later. It will be the Associated Broadcasting Development Company. The three programme contractors already announced include two newspaper groups and a cinema circuit. Only four contractors will operate—on a roster —from the new service’s first three stations in London, Manchester and Birmingham.