§ 41. Mr. BAKERasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the amount paid to the British Broadcasting Company on account of licence fees up to 31st March, 1924, was £105,483; whether the anticipated revenue for licence fees for the year ending March, 1925, is £400,000; and whether he will carefully consider the desirability of reducing the cost of the licences or alter the proportion payable to the British Broadcasting Company?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Hartshorn)The total amount payable to the company in respect of licences issued up to the 31st March, 1924, is about £432,000; but payment is made by monthly instalments in arrear, and the amount actually paid by the 31st March last was £71,450. The amount payable to the company in respect of licences issued during the 12 months ending the 31st March, 1925, is expected to be about £400,000. The fee for constructors' licences—which form the bulk of the licences hitherto issued—was reduced from 15s. to 10s. on the 1st instant, with the consequence that the company's share is reduced from 12s. 6d. to 7s. 6d. The considerations mentioned in the last part of the question will not be lost sight of; but at the present stage it would, I think, be premature to assume that the revenue of the company will be more than is necessary to provide an efficient broadcasting service.
§ Mr. BAKERHas the right hon. Gentleman decided to increase the remuneration of the directors of the British Broadcasting Company?
§ Mr. HANNONIs not the Broadcasting Company giving very full satisfaction to the public at present, or has the right hon. Gentleman received any complaints?