§ 8. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Minister of Education what number of schools, given as a percentage, have good modern broadcast receivers and adequate broadcast receivers, respectively; what number have inadequate or no broadcast receivers to enable them to take the fullest advantages of the school broadcasts made by the B.B.C.; and what steps does he propose to take so that all schools are provided with adequate broadcast receivers at an early date.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI have no complete figures, but I understand that about 15,000 schools of all kinds are on the register of the School Broadcasting Council. According to a recent estimate made by the Council, reception is unsatisfactory in about 30 per cent. of the schools. I am in close touch with the Council, who have already taken steps to bring to the notice of local education and school 1378 authorities the need for installing adequate equipment.
§ Mr. CooperIn view of the fact that it has been estimated that a very considerable proportion of schools have not got adequate receivers and in view of the very excellent school programmes which are broadcast and the fact that there is no shortage of receivers, will my right hon. Friend take vigorous steps to see that something is done to improve the situation?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI intimated that I have done that.