§ 41. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Postmaster-General whether the printing contract for the "Radio Times" was fixed after competitive tenders were received; whether the State printing works were invited to tender; if the present contract provides for a break; and how long it has yet to run?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe British Broadcasting Corporation took over the printing contract made by the British Broadcasting Company subject to certain modifications in the Corporation's favour. The Corporation inform me that they did not invite competitive tenders, but they are satisfied that the terms secured are satisfactory and the responsibility for the contract rests with them.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONHas the Postmaster-General made any communication to the British Broadcasting Corporation, that it would be inadvisable in future to give large public contracts without having competitive tenders?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe British Broadcasting Corporation make many hundreds of contracts; the responsibility is theirs, and I do not propose to interfere.