§ 27. Mr. Frank Taylorasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will refuse to sanction an increase in the cost of television licences until he is satisfied that every effort has been made to improve the quality of the British Broadcasting Corporation's performance, to cut out waste and to improve financial results by increased efficiency.
§ Mr. ChatawayYes, Sir.
§ Mr. TaylorWill the Minister bear in mind that many people, especially old-age pensioners, are quite unable to pay a higher licence fee? Moreover, for people who are sick and have no other contact with the world television is of great importance.
§ Mr. ChatawayI entirely accept what my hon. Friend says. Obviously, it is important that the licence fee should be no higher than is absolutely necessary.
§ Mr. William PriceIs the Minister aware of the curious attitude of many neurotic Tory M.P.s that the B.B.C. is fair game for criticism because it spends public money, whereas I.T.V. is sacrosanct because it spends its own money? Will the Minister confirm that both organisations spend our money?
§ Mr. ChatawayNo. If I accepted that all revenue from advertising was an addition to the cost of an item I should favour the suppression of all advertising. I do not take that view, nor, I believe, do hon. Gentlemen opposite.
§ Mr. RostIs the Minister aware that many pensioners and others on fixed incomes in my constituency, and no doubt elsewhere, are finding it difficult to budget for the existing licence fee, let alone for any possible increase?
§ Mr. ChatawayI accept the importance of what my hon. Friend says.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisWith regard to the quality and efficiency of I.T.V., if there are to be further punch-ups on the Frost programme, as happened at the weekend, will the Minister try to arrange for all the participants to be informed in advance?
§ Mr. ChatawayThat lies outside my field of responsibility.