HC Deb 26 June 1939 vol 349 cc25-6
50. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Post master-General whether the British Broadcasting Corporation owns the "Radio Times"; what is the value of this asset; and where it appears in the published accounts of the British Broad casting Corporation?

Major Tryon

I am informed by the British Broadcasting Corporation that they own the "Radio Times"; that there is no capital invested in it; and that there are no physical assets which could be valued for inclusion in the corporation's balance-sheet.

Mr. Bellenger

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that included in the revenue of the B.B.C. there is a very substantial profit shown? Does it therefore not follow that there must be some value to this asset, and why does it not appear in the balance-sheet?

Major Tryon

There is no plant and no asset which could be shown, but there is a revenue, and I pointed out to the hon. Member that the revenue appears in the accounts of the B.B.C.

Mr. Bellenger

Is this publication controlled by a limited company outside the control of the B.B.C?

Major Tryon

The publication is managed by the B.B.C. If the hon. Member wants more information, I shall be glad if he will put a question down, so that I can get from the B.B.C. the information about the matter, which is in their hands and not in mine.

Captain Strickland

Is there no asset in the goodwill of the B.B.C?

Major Tryon

No, because goodwill obviously could not be transferred to anybody else.