B.B.C. Orchestras (Cost)

HC Deb 24 July 1969 vol 787 c425W

Mr. Hooson

asked the Postmaster-General what was the total amount of money spent by the British Broadcasting Corporation in maintaining British Broadcasting Corporation orchestras of all kinds in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively, during the years 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968, respectively.

Mr. Stonehouse

The B.B.C.'s annual expenditure on their orchestras in the four years up to 31st March, 1968, as shown in their annual Reports and Accounts, amounted to:

• £1,075,182 in 1964–65.
• £1,144,421 in 1965–66.
• £1,267,626 in 1966–67.
• £1,357,906 in 1967–68.

They tell me that, of these totals, approximately £151,345, £170,740, £184,224 and £194,254 were spent in the corresponding years on their Scottish orchestras and £78,319, £80,271, £85,169 and £96,551 on their Welsh orchestras.