HC Deb 20 July 1982 vol 28 c81W
Mr. Colvin

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider as an alternative to licensing the possibility of introducing legislation to allow advertising on BBC television as a more effective way of paying for the service.

Mr. Raison

No. We consider that the licence fee system is the best available method of financing the services which the BBC provides and of securing the independence of the corporation.