§ 63. Mr. PIKEasked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the recent change in wave-lengths imposed by the British Broadcasting Corporation has deprived many persons over wide areas of satisfactory reception of the national programmes, he will consider arranging for the reduction of the price of wireless licences in such areas to 5s.?
§ Sir E. BENNETTI am informed by the British Broadcasting Corporation that the recent changes in wave-lengths were made in the interests of listeners generally and with the object of making the best possible use of the wave-lengths available for the broadcasting service in this country. In some districts reception of the national programmes from the nearest station has been rendered some 548 what more difficult; but in these districts listeners are, I am told, able to receive the national programmes from the long-wave transmitter at Droitwich. I am unable to entertain my hon. Friend's suggestion that a reduction in the wireless licence fee should be allowed to listeners in these districts.
§ Mr. PIKEWhile thanking the hon. Member for his answer, is he prepared to receive representations on this subject, and can he assure the House that the Postmaster-General has any power whatsoever to permit those who have paid their licences for the reception of programmes to have the facilities of such programmes?
§ Sir E. BENNETTThese new arrangements have been made to secure the greater happiness and convenience of the greatest number of licence holders. If the hon. Member has any specific case of hardship, I will look into it.
§ Mr. PIKEIs the hon. Member satisfied that it is fit and proper in this country to accept money from persons in respect of services about to be rendered when no guarantee whatsoever can be given that such services will be rendered.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the hon. Member aware that we are much more concerned in Newcastle over an increased reception than a decreased subscription?