§ Mr. W. R. Duckworthasked the Postmaster-General what has been the approximate expenditure to date on the provision of a television service; what has been the approximate amount of revenue received from licences for television receivers; and what is the approximate number of such receivers in existence?
§ Major TryonI am informed by the British Broadcasting Corporation that the 513W capital expenditure incurred on the television service up to the 30th September, 1938, less depreciation written off, was approximately £126,000, and that the revenue expenditure up to that date, including depreciation and programme, engineering, and staff costs, was approximately £660, 000.
In accordance with the recommendation of the Television Committee, the reception of television is at present regarded as covered by the ordinary wireless receiving licence and no special television licence is required. The question of introducing a special licence is reviewed from time to time by the Television Advisory Committee, but they do not consider that such a course would be desirable at the present stage of development of the service.
I have no precise information regarding the number of television receivers in existence. I understand, however, that the Television Advisory Committee receive confidential information, from time to time, from the Radio Manufacturers' Association concerning the total number of sets sold by members of the Association.
§ Captain Pluggeasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that viewers of television in the neighbourhood of aerodromes have their viewing seriously interrupted by low-flying aircraft; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Major TryonI am not aware that any serious interruption of television reception has been caused by low-flying aircraft, but if my hon. Friend will furnish particulars of any complaint on the subject I will have the matter investigated.