Party Political Broadcasts

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 12 March 1970.

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Photo of Dr Winnie Ewing Dr Winnie Ewing , Hamilton 12:00, 12 March 1970

On a point of order. May I have your guidance, Mr. Speaker? Has not the Prime Minister made an error involving the unwritten constitutional law of the United Kingdom? As it affects the rights of hon. Members, I take this opportunity of raising it.

Does not the precedent of the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Gwynfor Evans) raise a constitutional difficulty in that in 1955 a Minister was responsible for broadcasting? Can the Prime Minister declare that through his will no Minister will be responsible now? Where could this take us?

Parliament must be responsible in this matter through the Representation of the People Acts, which affect the B.B.C. and the I.T.A. How is it that Parliament has not control, that the matter is arranged by the three parties which are above this House?