RADIO LICENCE FEES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 277, 23 November 1945, Page 4

RADIO LICENCE FEES

MR. COTTERILL’S PLEA FOR

REDUCTION

(Snecial). Wellington, Nov. 22. Speaking in the House of Representatives to-day °n ‘he question of radio licensing lees, Mr. .1. B. r . cotlorill M.P. for Wanganui, said the annual report of the Broadcasting Department revealed that £l7O, IKK) was invested during the year to provide for future development and to overtake arrears of construction and equipment during the war years, making the total of £1,570,000 now invested for that purpose. “When the public looks at that huge sum in reserve,” said Mr. Cotterill, “it is only natural lor them to consider that the licence fee could be reduced.” , He said he would like the Minister to give an indication of lhe amount of money that would be required for replacement and equipment and for modernising the service. “It see.us 1o me.” added Mr. Cotterill. “that with such a reserve fund in hand some move could be made to effect a reduction in the present fee of 25s which inflicts a burden on quite a large section of the community, especially those receiving age benefits. Radio is not a luxury to-day; it is a necessity in every home. “I ask lhe Minister to give some earnest consideration to the possibility of reducing the licence fee wnen he is considering the accounts cl' the service next year,” concluded Mr. Cotterill.