conveying information in
Colony and beyond/I appreciate your
contention that Hong Kong is a small place for separate rediffusion
held that and broadcasting systems to operate, but if, in quieter times,
amalger dtion Lim the advantages of an amalgamation were to appear decisive, I would
insentive
things
т
much prefer to see the Government broadcasting service assume
responsibility for rediffusion than vice versa.
1
3. I am most anxious that every effort should be made to sustain
The change from improvised to
properly planned and constructed premises may be expected to lead to a general improvement of the service in Hong Kong as it has elsewhere
To this end I would be willing favourably in similar circumstances.
and improve the broadcasting service.
to consider a scheme for the contribution from United Kingdom funds of
5 a sum not exceeding $250,000, as suggested in paragraph.
LAT
of your savingram under reference.
This contribution would be made
from the £1 million, which as explained in my Confidential Circular
Jespatch of 29 March, 1949,
(copy attached at of this file)
front
I have made available from the
General Reserve under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act for
assisting the establishment or improvement of Colonial broadcasting services. It would be quite separate from any payment by His Majesty's Government of
the cost of special services undertaken by the Hong Kong Government,
decided
da to broadcast beyond the Colony itself, and should be considered independently. This £1 million is available subject to conditions which leave little scope for its application to recurring as distinct from capital costs. I imagine, however, that this is not a serious disadvantage in the case of Hong Kong, since it is the need for assistance in capital expenditure which you have stressed.
I have
also noted that the number of receiving licences in Hong Kong has recently shown a marked increase and I believe that no other Colonial territory has such good prospects of being able to cover the recurring cost of its broadcasting service from its licence revenue.
L.
I shall be grateful to have your comments as soon as possible.
it were
if it
SECER.