§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Minister of Information whether, since the wireless licence was fixed at 10s. many years ago, he is satisfied that the continuance of this rate is adequate to produce high-class programmes.
§ Mr. BrackenSince the outbreak of war payments to the B.B.C. have not been related to the revenue from wireless licences. Instead, the B.B.C. receives 707W an annual Grant-in-Aid to cover all its services, including broadcasts to troops abroad. For the advantage of listening as often as they like to B.B.C. programmes, licence holders have paid about twopence a week. But if the B.B.C. is to maintain a high standard after the war and keep pace with technical developments the question will inevitably arise whether the existing licence fee of 10s. a year is adequate. As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is very closely concerned in my hon. Friend's suggestion, I will take an early opportunity of discussing it with him.