HC Deb 16 February 1967 vol 741 cc788-9
30. Mr. Berry

asked the Postmaster-General what increase he envisages in the licence fees in 1968 and 1969.

Mr. Edward Short

No increase in the licence fees will be required before 1968. The timing of any increase will be a matter for the Government to decide in due course.

Mr. Berry

As the Postmaster-General failed to answer my Question No. 31 about financial contributions, and in view of the confusion of the Assistant Postmaster-General last night about who was to pay for the new B.B.C. experimental stations, can we be sure that by 1969 there will not be a much larger sum for the owners of sets to pay?

Mr. Short

For the first time, we have a pretty reasonable view of the B.B.C.'s finances for some years ahead. I should make it clear that the major factor in the Corporation's difficulties arose because the 1962 White Paper laid on the B.B.C. a great many obligations to develop its services but the Government of the day were unwilling to face the financial consequences.