§ Mr. Berryasked the Postmaster-General (1) what financial contribution the local universities are making towards the experimental local radio stations in Liverpool, Sheffield and Leicester, respectively;
(2) what financial contribution the chambers or trade and commerce of Liverpool, Sheffield and Leicester are making towards the experimental local radio station in their area;
(3) what financial contribution the local councils of churches of Liverpool, Sheffield and Leicester are making towards the experimental local radio station in their area;
(4) what financial contributions towards the cost of the experimental local radio stations in Liverpool, Sheffield and Leicester are being made by arts associations and other representative bodies active in the social and cultural life of the community; and whether he will give a list of these;
(5) from what sources the money needed for the first three experimental local radio stations will come.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe B.B.C. have been authorised to undertake the nine-station experiment on the basis that the cost should so far as possible be met168W from local sources; and I understand from the Corporation that this requirement will be positively and substantially satisfied. Part of the purpose of the experiment is to establish what local financial support would be forthcoming for any general and permanent service that might be decided on after the experiment had run its course; and in the meantime it will be one of the functions of the Local Broadcasting Councils to foster such support.
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Postmaster-General what financial arrangements have been made with the three local authorities who are participating in the local sound radio experiment.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe B.B.C. have been authorised to undertake the nine-station experiment on the basis that the cost should so far as possible be met from local sources; and I understand from the Corporation that this requirement will be positively and substantially satisfied. Part of the purpose of the experiment is to establish what local financial support would be forthcoming for any general and permanent service that might be decided on after the experiment had run its course; and in the meantime it will be one of the functions of the Local Broadcasting Councils to foster such support.
§ Mr. Bryanasked the Postmaster-General if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the local authorities to which invitations to participate in the local radio experiment were sent by his Department.
§ Mr. Edward ShortNo invitations were sent by my Department.