asked the Postmaster-General what notices he has issued to the Independent Television Authority under Section 9, subsection (2) of the Television Act, 1954, concerning matters of a political nature.

The only direction under this Section was that about the "14-day rule" which, as the right hon. Gentleman is aware, has been suspended for an indefinite period.

Is the right hon Gentleman aware that transmissions of political broadcasts have been indulged in by Granada, particularly in the Manchester area, during the recent by-election? Does not he think that in view of the use of the regional programmes for television transmissions during by-elections, the B.B.C. ought to be released from the restrictions now imposed upon it, and that the three political parties, together with the B.B.C., I.T.A. and the Postmaster-General, should look at this problem anew so that we may have the maximum use, on an agreed basis, of the regional programmes in relation to by-elections?

I shall have to consider that long supplementary at leisure. If I remember the recent broadcast, it was at Garston where each candidate said that he would win, and the Tory candidate was the only one who was correct in his prophecy.