Panorama — Season 45

Aired 6 January 1997

The NHS is strapped for cash, yet hospital managers and doctors agree that moving some services onto single sites could release huge sums which could be spent on patient care. But there is resistance to closures and other reforms.

Aired 13 January 1997

The first of a two-part investigation into evidence which suggests there is a revolution in crime fuelled by drug addiction.

Aired 20 January 1997

The second of two special reports, this week asking if tougher prison sentences really cut crime. Gavin Hewitt reports.

Aired 27 January 1997

Britain will soon have to decide whether to join a single currency in Europe. David Dimbleby invites key commentators, leaders of industry and a studio audience to discuss the questions that may determine the country's future.

Aired 3 February 1997

Can working women successfully balance their careers and family? New research suggests that children, of working mothers are more likely to suffer from behavioural problems and gain lower exam scores than those whose mothers stay at home.

Aired 10 February 1997

Updating his 1994 report on the killing of Tutsis in Rwanda, Fergal Keane returns to the country to tell the story of 13-year-old Valentina.

Aired 17 February 1997

As Yasuo Hamanaka comes to trial in Tokyo, Michael Robinson investigates the western brokers who made millions from his speculation on the international copper market. In a tale of market manipulation and unfair pricing on a grand scale.

Aired 24 February 1997

It is the name given to the most dangerous inmates in British prisons today, and psychopaths are generally considered to be untreatable. Panorama examines the minds of these men, and investigates if successful treatment is possible.

Aired 3 March 1997

As Britain's road network reaches saturation point forecasters predict an increase in gridlock, road rage and pollution. New roads designed to ease the pressure on existing routes quickly fill up with traffic.

Aired 10 March 1997

Investigation into paedophilia in children's homes in North-West.

Aired 17 March 1997

Although it has been legally available for 30 years, and has become one of the most common operations performed, abortion remains controversial and is often kept secret. Now some campaigners want to make abortion an election issue.

Aired 7 April 1997

The first of four Panorama specials in which David Dimbleby conducts live interviews with the leaders of the three main political parties. Tonight's guest is Tony Blair.

Aired 14 April 1997

Tonight's guests are Dafydd Wigley, leader of Plaid Cymru, and Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish National Party.

Aired 21 April 1997

The third of four programmes in which David Dimbleby conducts live interviews with the leaders of the main political parties. Tonight's guest is the leader of the Liberal Democrats Paddy Ashdown.

Aired 28 April 1997

The last of four programmes putting the leaders of the main political parties under the spotlight. Tonight, David Dimbleby interviews the Prime Minister and Conservative leader, John Major.

Aired 12 May 1997

How water industry makes money.

Aired 19 May 1997

Investigation into Iranian terrorist network.

Aired 2 June 1997

Potential problems of radiotherapy treatment.

Aired 9 June 1997

On eve of vote for a new leader, a look back at Major's premiership.

Aired 16 June 1997

An investigation into the London Underground system reveals 40-year-old trains, signals and tracks that have been patched up since the war, and 100-year-old tunnels that are crumbling.

Aired 23 June 1997

A National Health Service prescription form is supposed to provide the sick with free medicine, but in the hands of crooked doctors and chemists it has become the key to a multi-million pound fraud.

Aired 30 June 1997

Prescribed by the NHS and distributed by health workers, the drug methadone is designed to help wean addicts off heroin. But it is also a powerful and dangerous narcotic which is linked to the deaths of hundreds of young people every year.

Aired 7 July 1997

An investigation into reason for crash of TWA 800.

Aired 14 July 1997

A report on illegal immigrants smuggled into Britain.

Aired 10 September 1997

David Dimbleby presents a special live edition of Panorama from Edinburgh on the eve of the historic voting which could give Scotland its own Parliament.

Aired 15 September 1997

A Mercedes has crashed in a tunnel in Paris. A princess and her companion are dead.

Aired 22 September 1997

An investigation into increase in number of young arsonists in Britain.

Aired 29 September 1997

Government policy on single-parent families.

Aired 6 October 1997

Child sexual abuse by women may be more prevalent than people care to admit. Panorama talks to victims, to offenders and to experts who believe it is time to acknowledge the true extent of the problem. Su Pennington reports.

Aired 13 October 1997

Report on controversial NHS care in community program.

Aired 20 October 1997

In the second of two reports on the Health Service, Panorama highlights problems facing hospitals this winter as a result of increasing waiting lists and an acute shortage of beds.

Aired 27 October 1997

Vivian White reports on changes in political attitudes to issues such as gays in the military and homosexual marriage, parenting and education.

Aired 3 November 1997

An exclusive report on case of surrogate mother Karen Roche.

Aired 10 November 1997

The presence of new variant CJD in British blood supplies.

Aired 17 November 1997

A report on Royal Family's plans for future of Monarchy.

Aired 24 November 1997

Thirty-one years on, should life still mean life for Myra Hindley?

Aired 1 December 1997

The earth's heating up, our weather's becoming more extreme, scientists warn man is to blame. Tonight on Panorama will our leaders seize this chance to save the earth or will they squander it in the greenhouse wars.

Aired 8 December 1997

How football, glory game, has become money game.

Aired 15 December 1997

A debate over Britain's new Eurofighter aircraft.