Mr. Gresham Cooke:

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance the Meteorological Office gives to the British Broadcasting Corporation in the compilation of weather forcasts on B.B.C.1 television.

The Meteorological Office compiles the forecasts for the B.B.C.

Mr. Gresham Cooke:

Would the hon. Gentleman have some discussions with the B.B.C. and offer the meteorological forecast for the 9 o'clock news as well as for the 6 o'clock news? The detailed forecasts at 6 o'clock are seen mainly by housewives, but it would be of great assistance to farmers, motorists and others if they could see a detailed forecast on television at 9 o'clock? Could the hon. Gentleman make that suggestion?

The form of presentation is a matter which is being discussed at the moment by the B.B.C. and the Meteorological Office. I shall draw the question of timing to the B.B.C.'s attention.