Mr. R. Morģanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he can give some estimate of the reduction in the British Broadcasting Corporation expenditure that has resulted from the drastic curtailment in broadcast entertainment since the outbreak of war; and how it is proposed to use the surplus revenue from the wireless licences that will result?
Sir E. GriģģThe corporation's current expenses in connection with the home and Empire broadcasting services during the three months of September, October and November, 1939, are expected to fall some £200,000 below the peace-time level. This reduction is, however, being largely absorbed by increased capital expenditure on plant and premises, attributable mainly to protective works and to the acceleration of certain works to meet wartime requirements. The course of licence revenue during war-time is uncertain. The surplus, if any, which remains after providing for the needs of the broadcasting service and for the expenses of the Post Office on the issue and renewal of licences, etc., will, as in peace-time, accrue to the Exchequer.