Fourth Television Channel

HC Deb 13 March 1980 vol 980 cc666-7W

Mr. Marlow

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the fact that the advent of the fourth television channel will reduce revenue from the levy, he will delay its introduction.

Mr. Peter Rees

No. I refer my hon. Friend to the debate on the Second Reading of the Broadcasting Bill on 18 February—[Vol. 979, c. 60.]—during which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department expressed the belief that, once the new channel was established, it would pay for itself and that the yield of the levy would be restored, and, indeed, increased.