Broadcasting Licence Fee

HC Deb 30 May 1968 vol 765 cc2125-6

29. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a statement about the future of the broadcasting licence fee.

Mr. Mason

I have no statement to make at present.

Mr. Mills

Have the B.B.C. submitted to the right hon. Gentleman a request for an increase in the licence fee? If so, by how much? Will he give an assurance that no increase will take place without full submission to the National Board for Prices and Incomes?

Mr. Mason

I do not think that it is necessary to refer it to the National Board for Prices and Incomes. If the licence fee were increased, it would be a tax increase and, therefore, it would not be necessary to refer it. But we should consider that issue once the decision had been made. Both the previous Conservative Administration and ourselves have been constantly aware of what the B.B.C. require because of the developments which both the previous Administration and ourselves have encouraged.

Mr. Bryan

Will the Postmaster-General explain that again? The public will be very worried indeed when and if the licence fee is increased. Does he not feel that a reference to the National Board for Prices and Incomes would be useful in that respect?

Mr. Mason

As I told the hon. Gentleman only two weeks ago, I will consider that more fully once we have made a decision on this matter.

Mr. Dickens

Will the Postmaster-General confirm that the British licence fee for radio and television broadcasting is the lowest in Western Europe and provides perhaps the most comprehensive service of any public authority in Western Europe?

Mr. Mason

With the exception of Holland, it is probably £2 cheaper than in any other Western European country.