§ 34. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Assistant Postmaster-General under what arrangement commercial broadcasting companies use B.B.C. facilities free of charge.
§ Mr. BurkeCommercial broadcasting companies in the ordinary sense of the words, namely, companies that originate broadcast programmes, are not permitted to operate in this country, and I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the rebroadcasting of B.B.C. programmes by commercial broadcasting companies overseas. Subject to some copyright and 101W other legal considerations, programmes transmitted in the B.B.C's overseas and European services are generally available for rebroadcasting from stations in other countries without payment to the B.B.C., whether the rebroadcasting is arranged by a commercial or Government organisation. It is the policy of the Government to foster the rediffusion of British programmes to audiences overseas.