§ Mr. Cassellsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he is aware of the strong public feeling for at least one hour's wireless programme each evening for the whole of the British Empire and for English-speaking peoples everywhere in order to show them what the spirit of our people really is, and to include in this programme a short talk by leading public men on the topics of the day, given without censorship, whether favourable or not to our fortunes; and what steps he intends to take in this direction?
§ Sir E. GriggI have conveyed the hon. Member's suggestion to the B.B.C., who are responsible for the arrangements of broadcast programmes. I am advised that the great variations of time between different parts of the Empire and the limitation, on grounds of national security, of the B.B.C. Home Service to a. single programme, makes it impracticable to adopt the suggestion; but much already is being done in the B.B.C. Home and Empire Services on the lines which the hon. Member proposes.
§ Mr. Craven-Ellisasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information what is the present approximate monthly revenue from wireless broadcasting licences; and what is the present approximate expenditure on British Broadcasting Corporation programmes under the reduced broadcasting programme?
§ Sir E. GriggI am informed by the Postmaster-General that the average monthly gross receipts from wireless receiving licences during 12 months ended the 31st August last amounted to £374,600. While the broadcasting system is being adapted to war-time conditions, a period of change is inevitable; and it is not possible at the present time to furnish a useful statement of the rate of expenditure on programmes. The question on what basis the broadcasting service is to be financed in war-time is to be reviewed shortly.