§ 32. Mr. Wadeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the net revenue from wireless and television licences is to be retained by the Treasury for the year 1953–54; what sum is expected to be received by the Treasury in respect thereof; and how much Exchequer grant-in-aid for overseas services is to be provided during the same period.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe answers to the three parts of the Question are, respectively: 14 per cent.; £2,050,000; and £4,950,000.
§ Mr. WadeDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that this raid on the licence revenue, like the raid on the Road Fund, is difficult to justify in principle and is a really unsatisfactory method of raising 1891 general revenue? Can he give us an assurance that this cut will be discontinued?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI do not think that word "raid" is appropriate, though I appreciate that the interests concerned would always like more money.