HC Deb 04 October 1939 vol 351 cc1949-50
80. Mr. Gledhill

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether in view of the restricted broadcast programme and absence of alternatives, he will now propose a reduction in the licence fee?

Sir E. Grigg

No, Sir, the question of financing the broadcasting service in wartime conditions is to be reviewed shortly; but I cannot hold out any hope of a reduction of the licence fee.

Mr. Gledhill

Is the Minister aware of the great dissatisfaction with the amount of padding in the programmes and the number of gramophone records, and will lie consider the desirability of employing some of those at present unemployed in the variety industry?

Sir E. Grigg

The B.B.C. are constantly increasing the number of their staff, but I will pass on the suggestion of the hon. Gentleman.

Lieut.-Colonel Acland Troyte

Could not a very useful contribution to the cost of the war be made, without hurting anybody, by increasing the cost of licences?

Sir Herbert Williams

Is there any reason why the B.B.C. should not come back to London?