RADIO AND TELEVISION AUDIENCE RATING SURVEY BY RTS

The following Question stood in the name of Mr J. F. Conceicao -

Mr J. F. Conceicao: To ask the Minister for Culture whether RTS will conduct a Television and Radio audience rating survey for various programmes.

Mr Speaker: Mr Conceicao.

Mr P. Selvadurai: Question No. 16.

Mr Wee Toon Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer to the Member for Katong is "Yes". Indeed, Radio and T.V. Singapore is extremely keen to have such a survey. It is only on the basis of reliable findings from such a survey that programme planning and commercial policy can be founded.

In this year's Estimates, a sum of $30,000 has been provided for such a survey. RTS, in planning for such a survey, has liaised closely with the Economic Research Centre of the University of Singapore and the Statistics Department of the Government. A paper has been prepared setting out proposals on the methods to be used in such a survey. This paper has been submitted to the Commission of Inquiry on Statistical Activities, and it is hoped that the findings of this Commission will support Broadcasting Division's appeal for adequate funds for such a survey.

Mr Selvadurai: Question No. 17.

Mr Speaker: The Minister can, if he likes, answer Questions Nos. 17 and 18 together.