A 30-minute news feature, hosted by Richard Whiteley and Geoff Druett. The first segment covers the Labour Party’s defeat in the 1985 Brecon and Radnor by-election, and the issues they may face because of this. MP Merlyn Rees features in this segment to discuss the disputes between Kinnock and Lynk, the NUM, and the breakaway of Nottinghamshire miners from the union. Segment two sees a debate on the television of meetings in the House of Commons, and whether this is right or necessary for...

A 30-minute news feature, hosted by Richard Whiteley and Geoff Druett. The first segment covers the Labour Party’s defeat in the 1985 Brecon and Radnor by-election, and the issues they may face because of this. MP Merlyn Rees features in this segment to discuss the disputes between Kinnock and Lynk, the NUM, and the breakaway of Nottinghamshire miners from the union. Segment two sees a debate on the television of meetings in the House of Commons, and whether this is right or necessary for political proceedings. MP Austin Mitchell and MP Joe Ashton debate their different opinions on this issue. This episode’s Private Bill segment sees Richard Wainwright MP propose a bill to change the voting system to enable election of multiple candidates. A segment titled ‘Calendar Comment’ sees Whiteley reading letters from viewers of the show regarding their political concerns, such as changes to prescriptions and MP perks from travel agents. The first segment of the show explores the Labour Party's quest for election-winning unity, after a narrow defeat at the 1985 Brecon and Radnor by-election, attributed by many to Scargill’s demands for the coal industry. Labour’s problems have furthered by potential breakaway of Nottinghamshire miners and other groups affiliated with the NUM. Merlyn Rees MP, former Labour Home Secretary offers a historical perspective on the party. He believes that Kinnock was wise to appeal for NUM continuation and wants to see this maintained as a national union. He does not agree with Roy Lynk’s claim that the appeal shows fear on Kinnock’s part. He expresses an understanding of the problems for Labour in Nottinghamshire; it is one of the constituencies with most pits, but are governed under a tory MP. Rejection of the appeal for unity hasn’t yet created problems for Labour, not until there is a ballot in Nottinghamshire and things progress with the TUC. The second segment of the episode sees debate on whether House of Commons proceedings should be televised. In January, the House of Lords allowed for this, which has given an interesting view into legislation and parliamentary work. The Commons have already voted in favour, but seem reluctant to put it in effect. Austin Mitchell MP and Joe Ashton MP feature in a debate with Whiteley to explore their perspectives. Mitchell believes that the experiment with the House of Lords have been successful with the Lords themselves and audiences, creating a public interest in political conduct. Believes that, as representatives of the people, televised proceedings are needed to ensure this. Suggests that television will make no difference in the chamber. Ashton expresses his disapproval of televised Parliamentary meetings. He suggests that this has emerged from a decrease in Thatcher’s polls, with the intent to create a public opinion of her and other members of parliament. Ashton argues that television this turns parliament into a space for show business, and takes away from the actions and the words creating change and legislation. In the shows Private Bill section, Richard Wainwright MP features to suggest to reform the voting system. He proposes a change in the method of voting, so that each vote has effect and a wider candidate base is created. The job of the Commons is to represent, but he believes that the demographic seen in Parliament is not diverse enough to achieve this accurately. He also poses the question of each area being restricted to one MP, chosen by a committee; Some areas do not have MP’s that reflect their way of thinking due to this policy. He suggests that voting adopts a candidate list, chosen in order of personal preference, over the one cross ballot. Thus, each party can offer up multiple candidates, without any party loss. Electors also have a fairer chance of electing their favoured party and a specific member that they think would be best. He states that this system has worked well in other countries, would provide Britain with a new sense of leadership, and would reflect a choice of the true majority of the nation. Calendar Comment sees a segment wherein viewer send letters about their political concerns. Letters in this episode are regarding governments plans to restrict drugs available on prescriptions, the abolition of the Met County, the need for MP’s perks from travel agents, and concerns of MPs accepting retainers of up to £5,000 a year to represent the interests of commercial and industrial organizations. Brief discussion is also included on the consideration by parliamentary whips of a ‘bleeper’ system for members, that blur the boundaries between private life and business. Liberal MP’s are already experimenting with this, but Conservative support is still being monitored. Presented by RICHARD WHITELEY, GEOFF DRUETT With JOE ASHTON MP, AUSTIN MITCHELL MP, RT. HON. MERLYN REES MP, RICHARD WAINWRIGHT MP Editorial Assistant JULIE KIRKBRIDE Director NICK SALMON Executive Producer GRAHAM IRONSIDE Yorkshire Television Ltd 1985 YORKSHIRE TELEVISION Production