HC Deb 21 May 1973 vol 857 cc7-9
6. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what information he has received from the BBC concerning total broadcasting licence revenue during the year ended 31st March 1973; what was the BBC deficit for the year to that date; what is its anticipated deficit during the five years to 1978; and how he proposes to finance such a deficit.

Sir J. Eden

I must ask my hon. Friend to await the publication this autumn of the BBC's Accounts for 1972–73, which will show whether there was any deficit in that year. The BBC has made no representations to me about its revenue in 1972–73 and no forecast for the five years to 1978. No action is called for now.

Sir G. Nabarro

But these accounts are published long in arrear of the conclusion of every financial year. Meantime, the House is becoming increasingly apprehensive about the mounting losses of the BBC, which have already been put at a sum of £25 million or more, on account of broadcasting fees. Surely a statement of my right hon. Friend's intentions should be made in the House before the end of July.

Sir J. Eden

I think that it would be much more helpful to my hon. Friend to have the full figures before him when they are published.

Mr. Mayhew

Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that on at least six occasions in the past 10 years the corporation has had to ask the Government for an incerase in the licence fee? Is not that a thoroughly objectionable degree of dependence on the good will of Ministers? Is it not time the licence was replaced by a different form of financing, along lines put forward by several hon. Members on previous occasions?

Sir J. Eden

The Question refers to the existing arrangements for collecting the licence fee, not alternative ways of raising the money for the BBC.

Sir R. Cary

Is my right hon. Friend aware that licence revenue is the proper way to finance the BBC? It happens to be one of the cheapest licences in Europe. I should think it deplorable if the BBC were driven to borrowing large sums of money to keep its services going.

Sir J. Eden

The points my hon. Friend has made are certainly extremely relevant and need to be borne in mind when considering the cost to the licence-holder of financing the BBC's services.

Mr. John Grant

The Minister continues to evade the whole question of the financing of the BBC. He has done it today, and he did it in his speech during the broadcasting debate, when he referred to a comprehensive package of action from the Government in broadcasting and said nothing about financing. May we take it that he has this matter under active consideration? If so, when shall we have a statement from him?

Sir J. Eden

The hon. Gentleman does not make clear what he means by "this matter". The Question is whether the total broadcasting revenue during the year ending 31st March 1973 has been the subject of representations to me. I have said that it has not.

Sir G. Nabarro

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of those thoroughly unsatisfactory answers, I beg leave to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.