§ 29. Mr. Mayhewasked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he has now withdrawn his invitation to advertising firms to apply for licences to control television stations and sponsor programmes.
§ Mr. GammansNo, Sir, for the simple reason that no such invitation was ever made.
§ Mr. MayhewHow does the Minister reconcile that answer with his statement to the House on 11th March that 26 applications had been received for time on sponsored programmes?
§ Mr. GammansI am asked in the Question whether we have withdrawn an invitation to firms to apply for licences, and we have made no such invitation.
§ Mr. MayhewIs the hon. Gentleman aware that according to his last statement, 72 advertising and other firms had applied for licences to control stations and for time on sponsored programmes? I am asking whether that invitation is still open, and what has happened to the applications which have already been made?
§ Mr. GammansThere was no invitation whatever, but there is nothing to prevent anybody applying for a licence. The hon. Gentleman can apply for a licence for competitive television if he wishes to do so.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsAre we to understand that the invitations are now terminated because the Government have undertaken to subsidise certain of those who have already applied?
§ Mr. GammansIf the right hon. Gentleman believes that, he will believe anything.
§ Captain OrrIs it not gratifying that so many responsible people have undertaken to apply for licences without invitation?