§ 50. Mr. William Priceasked the Postmaster-General whether he will now make a statement on the future of pay television.
§ Mr. MasonThe Conservative administration, in their second White Paper on Broadcasting (Cmnd. 1893, paragraphs 45 to 48) announced their decision to authorise an experiment in pay television by wire only. Accordingly, under licences granted by them, an experimental service is at present provided by Pay-TV Ltd., to some 8,000 subscribers in Southwark and Westminster; and some 1,800 in Sheffield. The licences run until January, 1969, in the case of Southwark and Westminster and November, 1969, in the case of Sheffield. However, the operating company asked my predecessor to review the experiment and he had discussions with their representatives on 20th February. I am considering the points raised.