HC Deb 19 February 1946 vol 419 cc955-6
65. Mr. Gooch

asked the Minister of Information if he is aware of the difficulty long experienced by listeners to the Home Service of the B.B.C, in many parts of Norfolk, the reception often being inaudible; and will the B.B.C. increase the strength of the Home Service transmission there, or alternatively, provide a regional station to serve East Anglia.

Mr. Wilson

My right hon. Friend regrets that he has nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Woodbridge (Lieut.-Colonel Hare) on 30th October, and the reply to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Mr. C. S. Taylor) which will be circulated in the Official Report.

Mr. Gooch

Does my hon. Friend realise that a considerable number of Norfolk residents have to tune in to the Midland Regional stations when they want to hear the Home Service? In view of the fact that the cost of licences is going up, does not he think the people who listen in are entitled to listen to whatever station they choose?

Mr. Wilson

Yes, Sir, that question is fully realised and discussions are going on at the moment with regard to improving the services. Application has been made by the B.B.C. for an improvement and an increase in the size of the mast at Brookmans Park. Discussions on that question are still continuing, and no decision has yet been reached

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

In view of the many complaints that have been made against the B.B.C. during the last few months, on what do they propose to use the increased income which they are going to get now the licence is raised?