§ Mr. BAKERasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the British Broadcasting Company decided, at its meeting on 19th June, to dispose of some of the profits by voting a sum of£2,000 for distribution among the directors in addition to their regular remuneration; and whether, seeing that such gifts can only be made with his consent, and that £500per annum for the chairman and £200 per annum for each director is adequate payment for the services rendered, he will state whether he has sanctioned the payment?
1985W
§ Mr. HARTSHORNThe decision, to which the hon. Member refers, has been brought to my notice. I understand that the duties of the directors of the British Broadcasting Company 'were especially heavy durnig the first year and a half of the company's existence; and, if I were satisfied that it is within my power, I should be glad to sanction this acknowledgement of the outstanding service which has been rendered to the public by the establishment of the Broadcasting organisation as it exists to-day. At present I am in doubt whether the proposal is altogether consistent with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company, and with the agreements between the company and the Post Office; but I am giving the matter further consideration.