§ 99. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Assistant Postmaster-General if, before allowing the cinema interests free use of the Coronation television programme, he will obtain from them an undertaking 124W that it shall be used on a non-profit making basis, or that any profits that are made shall be devoted to charity.
§ Mr. GammansThe object of my noble Friend in arranging for the free use of the Coronation television programme was to remove all obstacles to public viewing of the Coronation. Not only cinemas, but also hotels, public houses, village halls. etc., are involved. It would be difficult, and might well defeat the object of the concession, if any attempt were made to impose special conditions on the licence.
In this matter my noble Friend is confident that he can rely on the public spirit of the interests concerned to ensure that this happy and historic occasion is not misused for purposes of private gain.
§ 103. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Assistant Postmaster - General what arrangements he is making to link up television of the Coronation with continental European countries; and what will be the cost a mile of doing so.
§ Mr. GammansThe B.B.C. inform me that they are providing one temporary link from London to Dover, with equipment of a type normally used for outside broadcasts, which would be quite unsuitable for a permanent television station in this country. The relay from the Channel will be the responsibility of countries on the Continent who wish to take the B.B.C.'s Coronation programmes, and they will carry out all the work necessary for the reception of the signals.