§ Mr. James Davidsonasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (1) what is the total reduction in the number of regionally produced independent television programmes since the 1969 increase in the levy on television contractors;
(2) which independent television contractors have been obliged to reduce the number of their locally produced programmes as a consequence of the 1969 increase in levy on revenue, and by how many.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe increase in the levy in 1969 is only one of the many factors represented to me as affecting independent television's financial prospects, which I am now considering. The I.T.A. tells me that there has been no significant reduction since last July in the number of locally-produced programmes. For one company, Grampian Television Ltd., the I.T.A. has agreed for the time being to a reduction in local programmes to enable the company to obtain the full financial benefit of closing a studio in Edinburgh.