§ 10. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Postmaster-General what amounts have been spent by his Television Advisory Committee in its investigations into the problems of lineage and colour.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonInvestigations into the problems of line definition and colour have been made in connection with the work of my right hon. Friend's Television Advisory Committee. The organisations taking part in the work, that is the B.B.C., the I.T.A., the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Post Office and many units of the radio industry bear their own costs To get an accurate total would involve an excessive amount of work; I am informed, however, that it runs into six figures.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsDo I understand from that reply that the Post Office bears no responsibility for this expenditure and that it is not carried on the Post Office revenue?
§ Mr. ThompsonI said in my reply that the Post Office takes part in this work and bears its own costs. The greatest part of the cost relates to the work, including much pioneering work, which was done by the strikingly successful B.B.C. team. The House ought to recognise the contribution that the team has made.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe hon. Gentleman has dodged my Question. I asked him how much the Post Office had spent in this connection.
§ Mr. ThompsonIf the right hon. Gentleman will give me notice of the question, I will tell him. We have nothing to hide in the matter.