HC Deb 23 November 1970 vol 807 cc28-9
36. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will make a statement on the finances of the British Broadcasting Corporation, in view of the recent announcement of substantial deficits in the Corporation's accounts.

Mr. Chataway

I am considering the representations which the B.B.C. has made to me about its financial prospects. I have not yet reached any conclusions but will make a statement as soon as practicable.

Mr. Hamilton

Does not the B.B.C. attribute part of this deficit to the fact that licence evasion is still rampant, despite the very welcome measures that the Minister himself has taken? What further steps does he mean to take in this direction? If they do not meet the problem, will he consider smypathetically a B.B.C. request for increasing the licence fee?

Mr. Chataway

I will certainly consider representations which have been made to me by the B.B.C. The hon. Gentleman, who takes a great interest in these matters, will know that it has been possible over the last two years to halve the number of licence evaders; and by a number of measures I am determined to reduce that number further.

Mr. Gorst

Before any additional responsibilities are given to the B.B.C., will the Minister ensure that it discharges its responsibilities more impartially and effectively?

Mr. Whitehead

On a point of order—

Mr. Faulds

On a point of order—

Mr. Speaker

Order. One point of order at a time, please. Mr. Whitehead.

Mr. Whitehead

I apologise for my inexperience in the House, Mr. Speaker. Is it not usual for an hon. Member to declare an interest when he asks a question?

Mr. Speaker

I dealt with that point of order last week. The answer is that it is not.

Mr. Chataway

Matters of programme content are for the B.B.C.

Mr. Richard

If the BBC. has substantial deficits, is it not important that steps should be taken to deal with them early rather than late? We on this side would view with a great deal of concern a situation in which the deficits were allowed to continue and the fact of those deficits was used, as most hon. Members opposite seem to be using it, as an argument in favour of commercial broadcasting and against public service broadcasting?

Mr. Chataway

It is a pity that the concern of hon. Members opposite did not lead them to take a little action before the General Election, when they were urging new services upon the B.B.C. but not providing the B.B.C. with the money to carry out those services.