Page:Note of a meeting held on 21 January 1980 Welsh Language Broadcasting.pdf/3

3. where, instead of competition, all that resulted was a wasteful duplication of resources. So far as English speakers were concerned, he argued that they need not be deprived of programmes on the fourth channel since these could easily be re-scheduled and shown on ITV1. Even if this could not be done, he objected to the proposition that the deprivation of English speakers was of greater importance than the deprivation of Welsh language speakers. He argued, moreover, that as the number of channels available to the public increased, it would become more important to set aside one channel where Welsh language programmes could be assured, and he suggested that any financial difficulty might be overcome by having separate funding from a different source for Welsh language programmes. In conclusion, he emphasised the strong support which existed in Wales for a separate channel for the Welsh language and argued that the fourth channel plan would help to lessen tension and conflict.

7. Summing up, both the Home Secretary and Mr Roberts pointed out that under the present proposals there would be an increase in the number of Welsh language programmes which were shown on television. They both believed that Welsh language speakers would benefit most from the proposal to split Welsh language programmes between two channels, although the Home Secretary repeated that he would listen to any arguments put forward during the passage of the Bill through Parliament. The meeting concluded.

Private Office

23 January 1980

cc