§ 46. Mr. O'Brienasked the Prime Minister if he will give the House precise information of the amount of fuel and power saved by cutting off six hours broadcasting per day; and when normal broadcasting will be restored.
§ The Prime MinisterThe greater part of the saving of electricity is effected by the persons who would be receiving and not by the B.B.C. who would be trans- 586 mitting the programmes; the amount cannot be calculated. Since the majority of receiving sets are installed in residential premises, it would be undesirable for programmes to be transmitted throughout those hours during which the use of electricity in these premises is prohibited by statutory order. The position will be reconsidered if and when these prohibitions are modified or withdrawn.
§ Mr. O'BrienWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the morale of the community and its co-operation to overcome the present crisis and to dispel its gloom will be furthered by increasing rather than diminishing the opportunities for reasonable social enjoyment?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, certainly. That point will be borne in mind.
§ Captain CrookshankWill the Prime Minister confirm that he really meant the words "if and when," and not only the word "when"?
§ The Prime Minister"If and when is a little more comprehensive; that is all.
§ Captain CrookshankDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that using the word "if" implies that these restrictions may never be taken off?
§ The Prime MinisterI did not so accept it myself.
§ Mr. Gordon-WalkerWill the Prime Minister bear in mind the importance of educational broadcasts to schools, which have been cut off?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, certainly.
§ Major Guy LloydWill the Prime Minister remember, as the country will, that the Minister of Fuel and Power mentioned five to six days?
§ Mr. WyattWill arrangements be made to have restored immediately cuts in power of overseas broadcasting transmission, because the power of our programmes going to places where they might stimulate the export trade has been cut by as much as half?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that has already been done. Obviously, there is not the same amount of use of current when the receiver is abroad.