HC Deb 23 November 1967 vol 754 c1479
37. Mr. Bryan

asked the Postmaster-General if he will make a statement on his proposals regarding the British Broadcasting Corporation licence fee.

Mr. Edward Short

I have nothing to add to the statement in the White Paper on Broadcasting; that is, that no increase in the fee will be required before 1968. I would, of course, give the House good notice of any increase.

Mr. Bryan

As the Postmaster-General did not see fit to answer my earlier question, may I ask whether it is not now obvious that the legislation passed by the Government is placing fresh financial commitments on the B.B.C. which are forcing the Corporation to put up its licence fee? Would it not be better to think once again about the possibility of using local commercial radio, which would pay rather than cost us money?

Mr. Short

No, Sir. The reason why the B.B.C.'s finances have got into a mess is that when the party opposite were in office they were asked by the B.B.C. for an increase in the price of the licence fee, but because they were afraid of losing the 1964 election the party opposite took no action.

Mr. Rankin

Is my right hon. Friend aware that 1968 is just about a month away? Can he be a little more exact about the date which he has mentioned?

Mr. Short

As Lord Hill has said, I have received a request for an increase in the licence fee. I have taken no decision on this yet.