§ Mr. Gorstasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will make a statement about the present and future level for the radio and television licence fee.
§ Mr. ChatawayPresent licence fees and those to operate from 1st April, 1971, were prescribed by my predecessor in the Wireless Telegraphy (Broadcast Licence Charges and Exemption) Regulations 1970 (S.I., 1970/548) on 2nd April, 1970. As I told the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) on 23rd November, I have not yet reached any conclusions on the representations which the B.B.C. has made to me about its financial prospects, but will make a statement as soon as practicable.—[Vol. 807, c. 28.]
§ Mr. Gorstasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether, as part of his inquiry before deciding the future level of the television licence fee, he will investigate the manner and extent to which the British Broadcasting Corporation outbids independent television contractors for programmes.
§ Mr. ChatawayNo. It is for the B.B.C. to decide what programmes to put on and what contractual arrangements to make for the purpose.