BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION (OPERA SUBSIDY).

HC Deb 30 May 1938 vol 336 c1643

31. Mr. Day

asked the Postmaster-General particulars of the amount of subsidy to grand opera paid by the Government to the British Broadcasting Corporation for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and what is the present position with regard to same?

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Sir Walter Womersley)

The opera subsidy was discontinued at the end of 1932, for which year the amount paid was £17,500.

Mr. Day

Was there any stipulation as to how many broadcasts were to take place for that payment?

Sir W. Womersley

It is too long ago to remember.

Captain Gazalet

Is my hon. Friend aware that, if the same subsidies are given to opera next year as this year through the B.B.C., it is very probable that there will be no grand opera season?