asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the profits made by the British Broadcasting Company during the past financial year; and, seeing that the extent of such profits is largely due to the sum received in respect of licence fees, will he consider the desirability of reducing the licence duty paid by users of receiving sets?

The whole of the profits received by the British Broadcasting Company after their payment of 7½ per cent. dividend, which absorbs only £5,172, has been invested in additions to plant. The Postmaster-General does not propose to reduce the licence fee pending the Report of the Committee which the Government are about to appoint to examine the arrangements, financial and otherwise, for the maintenance of the broadcasting service.

Would not the Postmaster-General consider the advisability of recommending the reduction of the fee for the holders of crystal sets?

I think they get very good value for their money.

The others get more.