HC Deb 15 November 1926 vol 199 c1553W
Sir W. de FRECE

asked the Postmaster-General why, in view of the fact that entertainment forms the bulk of broadcasting programmes, steps were not taken in constituting the Board to include persons with special knowledge of entertainment?

Viscount WOLMER

The Government has accepted the recommendation of the Broadcasting Committee that the governing body should not be composed of persons representing various interests, but should be persons of judgment and independence. They will have every opportunity of technical and expert advice from advisory committees and the staff of the British Broadcasting Company which they will take over.

Sir W. de FRECE

asked the Postmaster - General the salaries, with bonuses, if any, paid to the directors of the British Broadcasting Company; and how they compare with the salaries to be paid to the governors of the new Corporation?

Viscount WOLMER

Under the Articles of Association of the British Broadcasting Company the remuneration of the directors, apart from the emoluments of the managing director, is limited to £500 a year for the chairman and £200 a year for each of the nine other members of the board. The Charter provides that the governors of the new Corporation may receive remuneration not exceeding £3,000 for the chairman, £1,000 for the vice-chairman and £700 for the other governors. In 1924 a bonus of £2,000 was paid to the directors of the British Broadcasting Company. The directorate of the Corporation are precluded by their Charter from accepting any bonus.