HC Deb 25 May 1976 vol 912 c140W
72. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, before agreeing to the BBC request for further increases in television licence fees, he will ask for a detailed statement showing how much is paid in fees for occasional broadcasts by politicians and Members of Parliament; to what extent economies have been made; and why the BBC spent £45 on taxi fares to obtain four spiders for a television play.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

No. The BBC has not yet asked for an increase in television licence fees. When such a request is made it will be carefully considered. It has been the policy of successive Governments not to interfere in the day-to-day management of the corporation.