§ 18. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what approval has been given by the Treasury in the last five years, under Sections 13 and 14 of the Television Act, 1954, to application of excess funds of the Independent Television Authority; what have been the aggregate sums repatriated to the Exchequer; what consent has been given 196 by the Treasury to advances on capital account under Section 12 of the Act in respect of the new Independent Television Authority London headquarters in Brompton Road; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir E. BoyleIn the last five years, approval has been given under Sections 13 and 14 to transfer to the reserve fund of £1,920,000 and to payment to the Exchequer of £450,000. Loans totalling £555,000 have been wholly repaid. As regards the last part of the Question, Section 12 of the Act ceased to be operative on 31st July, 1959, and the question does not therefore arise. I see no occasion for a statement.
§ Mr. NabarroIs the Treasury satisfied with sums it has succeeded in repatriating from the Independent Television Authority? May I ask my hon. Friend particularly whether he considers that the allegations of opulence and extravagance in relation to the new I.T.A. headquarters in Brompton Road, S.W.1, are in consonance with his economic policy and his policy particularly of wage restraint and stability of incomes, or otherwise?
§ Sir E. BoyleThe answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question is "Yes, Sir". The answer to the second part is that I have no reason to suppose that, regarding the new headquarters, the Authority has not exercised a proper and businesslike judgment. May I add that I do not feel the least queasy about facing the electors of Handsworth on this issue?