HC Deb 05 July 1932 vol 268 cc234-5
39. Mr. COCKS

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the financial stringency and of the fact that the agreement between the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Covent Garden Opera Syndicate can be terminated on 31st December, 1932, at the option of either party, he will approach the British Broadcasting Corporation with a view to securing the termination of the agreement at the end of the year?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Graham White)

The agreement between the Post Office and the British Broadcasting Corporation gives no power to the Postmaster-General to call upon the Corporation to terminate its agreement with the Opera Syndicate at the end of the present year. The agreement between the Post Office and the Corporation duly laid before Parliament in June, 1931, was for a period of five years as therein provided.

Mr. COCKS

As this agreement can be terminated, cannot the Government exercise their persuasive powers with the British Broadcasting Corporation to end this corrupt business

Mr. WHITE

I hardly think flat I can add anything useful to the replies which my right hon. Friend has given to questions on this subject.