§ 28. Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTasked the Postmaster-General whether and, if so, when power has been exercised under Article 16 (iv) of the Royal Charter of Incorporation of the British Broadcasting Corporation to examine the accounts of the corporation and to obtain information and documents of the receipts and expenditure thereof?
§ Mr. BLINDELL (Lord of the Treasury)The power given by Clause 16, paragraph 4, of the charter has been exercised on one occasion, in 1930, when an examination of the corporation's accounts was undertaken by an officer of my right hon. Friend's Department in 361 connection with an application made by the corporation under Clause 18, paragraph 7, of their licence for a revision of their scale of payment.
§ Mr. KNIGHTWill my hon. Friend be good enough to ask the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the complaints as to the administration of the corporation, it is not desirable that there should be some further inquiry?
§ Mr. BLINDELLI will convey that observation to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. MAXTONMay I ask why it is not possible for either the Postmaster-General or his efficient under-study to be present to answer questions?