asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the recent 30 per cent increase in cable TV rental in Bray town; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bray Cable TV.
20.
I am so aware. On 2nd October, 1976 notice was published of a petition to the High Court for the winding up of the company which held the cable television licence for the area in question. This petition was not proceeded with because negotiations were concluded for the sale of the cable television assets of the company to RTE Relays. The sale was conditional on the consent of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs to the transfer of the licence and to the application of RTE Relays standard rental charges, that is, the charges which apply throughout their systems generally, in the area covered by the licence. I gave the necessary consents.
I might add that the National Prices Commission were consulted about the application of RTE Relays standard charges and raised no objection. However, in accordance with the commission's suggestion the charges are being increased in two stages, from 1st January, 1977 and 1st January, 1978.
Surely the Minister must agree that the people who receive the service in Bray town regard it as being an excessive increase, from £7.20 per half year fee to £9.30 per half year fee simply because of change of supplier.
The facts would appear to be that the previous supplier was unable to remain in business on the basis of the fees provided. The matter came before me only in the form of whether I was prepared to consent to the transfer of the licence or not. If I had not agreed to the transfer of the licence there was a likelihood, indeed a certainty, of interruption of cable television service in the area. I take it the Deputy would not wish me, therefore, to have refused consent to the transfer of the licence. That is the only problem.
I am not aware whether or not it is on the basis of the fees that the company were wound up in Bray town. Perhaps the Minister has that information. I say this. If there was a supply——
A question please, Deputy.
Would the Minister agree that if there was a supply at the £7.20 rate—the supply was not discontinued in the following week— the rate of £9.30 was an excessive increase?
I have made the position clear to the Deputy. It was a choice between consenting to the take-over of the licence or not. If I had not agreed to that take-over there would have been a cessation of cable television in the area which I take it is not what the Deputy wants.
I would not want that but there was——
Question No. 21.