HC Deb 25 January 1968 vol 757 c558
12. Mr. Jopling

asked the Postmaster-General if he will give an assurance that the British Broadcasting Corporation licence fee will not be raised during 1968 and 1969.

Mr. Edward Short

In my reply of 23rd November, 1967, to the hon. Member for Howden (Mr. Bryan) I said that I would of course give the House good notice of any increase in the broadcast receiving licence fees. At present I have nothing to add to that reply.

Mr. Jopling

Was not that a very disappointing reply? Should not the B.B.C. be the forerunner in looking after the Government's policy of restraint because of the severe financial crisis and should not the right hon. Gentleman be telling us that the licence fee will not go up in the next two years in view of that policy?

Mr. Short

The hon. Gentleman is sufficiently experienced in the House to know that the "Have you stopped beating your wife?" question does not get one anywhere.

Hon. Members

Have you?

Mr. Bryan

Is the Postmaster-General aware that he said at Leicester that it would be unfair to pay for local stations out of income from the receiving licences? Those were his very words which he has just said he never said.

Mr. Short

I have made it absolutely clear on many occasions and the hon. Gentleman knows it quite well.