28. Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewingasked the Assistant Postmaster-General what capital expenditure has been authorised for the British Broadcasting Corporation for the financial years 1951–52 and 1952–53; and what capital expenditure is estimated for the financial year 1953–54.
§ Mr. GammansAuthorisations are for calendar years. For 1951 and 1952 the figures were £18 million and £2 million, respectively. I regret that I cannot give a figure for the current year since the programme is subject to review.
Mr. Orr-EwingWould my hon. Friend give some indication, because surely the plans must have been laid and the equipment ordered for capital expenditure in the current year?
§ Mr. GammansI have just told the House that I hope soon to make a statement on the future television policy of the Government, and that must affect the amount of money which the B.B.C. will be allowed to spend.