§ 57. Mr. Bessellasked the Posmaster-General what charges are being made to the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Television Authority for the use of the satellite ground station at Goonhilly Down for relaying Early Bird transmissions across the Atlantic.
§ Mr. BennA charge of £40 a minute is now being made for the use of all the European earth stations with free use of the Satellite facilities. From 28th June the system will be in commercial use and a comprehensive charge will be made for the use of European ground stations and the satellite facility. The amount of the charge is still under discussion with the other Administrations who will be cooperating in providing the service: it will be notified to the broadcasting organisations later this week. I will then send the hon. Member particulars.