§ 29. Mr. RAIKESasked the Postmaster-General what the total receipts from wireless licences were far the year ended 31st March, 1932; how much was retained by the Post Office to cover expenses of collection; and how much was paid to the British Broadcasting Corporation?
§ Mr. WHITEThe total receipts from wireless licence fees during the year ended the 31st of March, 1932, amounted to £2,294,438. Ten per cent, of that sum —or £229,444—was retained by the Post Office to cover the cost of collection and administration in accordance with the supplemental agreement with the British Broadcasting Corporation, which was laid before Parliament in June, 1931. The payment to the British Broadcasting Corporation, which, under the terms of their licence, is based on the wireless licence revenue of the previous year, amounted to £1,225,709.
Captain CAZALETIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that he is collecting all the fees for licences, or is there still a large number of people who, perhaps, are not paying?
Mr. H. MORRISIs it not the case that the new agreement entered into last year allows 10 per cent. to the Post Office instead of 12½ per cent., and, in view of the new circumstances which have arisen since last July, could it not be placed again on a 12½ per cent. basis?
§ Mr. GROVESDoes the licence fee of 10s. apply to those cases in which you switch on to the telephone and do not have a wireless set.