1997
1997 · 39 episodes
Episodes
1. Medicine's Missing Millions
January 6, 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.
2. Drug Crime
January 13, 1997
The first of a two-part investigation into evidence which suggests there is a revolution in crime fuelled by drug addiction.
3. Crime and Punishment
January 20, 1997
The second of two special reports, this week asking if tougher prison sentences really cut crime. Gavin Hewitt reports.
4. The Great Euro Debate
January 27, 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.
5. Missing Mum
February 3, 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.
6. Facing Up to Genocide - Valentina's Story
February 10, 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.
7. The Copper Ring
February 17, 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.
8. Predators
February 24, 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.
9. U-Turn
March 3, 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.
10. Hear No Evil
March 10, 1997
Investigation into paedophilia in children's homes in North-West.
11. Abortion: Behind Closed Doors
March 17, 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.
12. The Leader Interview: Tony Blair
April 7, 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.
13. The Leader Interview: Dafydd Wigley/Alex Salmond
April 14, 1997
Tonight's guests are Dafydd Wigley, leader of Plaid Cymru, and Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish National Party.
14. The Leader Interview: Paddy Ashdown
April 21, 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.
15. The Leader Interview: John Major
April 28, 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.
16. Water Torture
May 12, 1997
How water industry makes money.
17. The Terror Network
May 19, 1997
Investigation into Iranian terrorist network.
18. A Costly Cure?
June 2, 1997
Potential problems of radiotherapy treatment.
19. Yesterday's Men?
June 9, 1997
On eve of vote for a new leader, a look back at Major's premiership.
20. Down the Tube
June 16, 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.
21. Prescription for Fraud
June 23, 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.
22. Kill Or Cure
June 30, 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.
23. The Fall Of Flight 800
July 7, 1997
An investigation into reason for crash of TWA 800.
24. Migrant Mafia
July 14, 1997
A report on illegal immigrants smuggled into Britain.
25. The Scottish Parliament
September 10, 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.
26. Diana - The Last Day
September 15, 1997
A Mercedes has crashed in a tunnel in Paris. A princess and her companion are dead.
27. Playing with Fire
September 22, 1997
An investigation into increase in number of young arsonists in Britain.
28. Hard Labour
September 29, 1997
Government policy on single-parent families.
29. The Ultimate Taboo
October 6, 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.
30. Crisis In Care: Safe In Their Hands
October 13, 1997
Report on controversial NHS care in community program.
31. Crisis In Care: A Risk Worth Taking
October 20, 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.
32. Gay Times
October 27, 1997
Vivian White reports on changes in political attitudes to issues such as gays in the military and homosexual marriage, parenting and education.
33. The Surrogate
November 3, 1997
An exclusive report on case of surrogate mother Karen Roche.
34. The British Disease
November 10, 1997
The presence of new variant CJD in British blood supplies.
35. The People's Monarchy?
November 17, 1997
A report on Royal Family's plans for future of Monarchy.
36. Myra Hindley
November 24, 1997
Thirty-one years on, should life still mean life for Myra Hindley?
37. The Greenhouse Wars
December 1, 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.
38. The Money Game
December 8, 1997
How football, glory game, has become money game.
39. The Sky's The Limit
December 15, 1997
A debate over Britain's new Eurofighter aircraft.