HC Deb 21 January 1931 vol 247 cc173-4
31 Mr. O. LEWIS

asked the Post-master-General whether he has any statement to make to the House regarding the proposed subsidy for grand opera?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Lees-Smith)

Certain questions are under discussion with the British Broadcasting Corporation, the settlement of which will probably involve a new agreement between the Post Office and the Corporation. It is proposed that this new agreement should contain provision for a payment in respect of opera, the amount of which has already been announced. The payment will be contingent upon Parliament voting the necessary funds.

Mr. MARLEY

Will the Postmaster-General see that this syndicate, for equipment and other purposes, subjects itself to public tender?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

I could not answer that question.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Can the hon. Gentleman give any estimate of the number of persons who will be given work under the Government's proposals?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

A considerable number will be saved from being unemployed.