§ 43. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Postmaster-General if he will make a statement on his plans for extending television services to other parts of the country.
§ The Postmaster-General (Mr. Wilfred Paling)The provision of a nation-wide television service is being pushed ahead as fast as national economics permit. The B.B.C. has submitted a plan which has been approved by the Government, but it is, of course, subject to that qualification. The aim is to bring television 1212 within the reach of over half the population in less than two years and about 80 per cent. of the population by the end of 1954.
The plan provides for five high-power and five low-power stations as follows: High-Power: Alexandra Palace, London; Sutton Coldfield; Holme Moss, near Huddersfield; Central Scotland; Bristol Channel area (one, or possibly two stations). Low - Power: Tyneside; Southampton; Northern Ireland; Aberdeen; Plymouth—giving a coverage to a population of something less than 40 million.
The Sutton Coldfield station will open on 17th December of this year and it is hoped to open the Holme Moss station by the middle of 1951. The Scottish station, the Bristol Channel station and the low-power stations will be provided thereafter as soon as circumstances permit.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that by accelerating this programme he would assist British exports considerably? Does he mean by his answer that the unexpended balance on the capital account of more than £2,300,000 is going to be expended in the time?
§ Mr. PalingIs the hon. and gallant Member referring to the accounts of the B.B.C.?
§ Air-Commodore HarveyYes.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCan the right hon. Gentleman say why there should be so much delay before the Scottish station is established?
§ Mr. PalingThis programme, subject to the qualifications I have already admitted, rather doubles the progress.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanThen why not alter the programme?
§ Sir R. RossWhy is Northern Ireland getting a low-power station?
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingDoes the answer mean that Manchester is not to have a television service before Christmas, 1951?
§ Mr. PalingI have not given a date in 1951. I said 1951, but did not give a particular month.
§ Mr. ErrollWas this programme agreed to after the recently announced capital cuts? Is this the real programme, or is it to be subject to the capital cuts?
§ Mr. PalingNo, there are considerations arising out of the capital cuts which have to be taken into account.
§ 60. Mr. Marplesasked the Postmaster-General whether it is now intended to revise the programme for the extension of television as announced by the Lord President of the Council on 28th September, 1949.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingNo, Sir, not as regards the scope of the programme, but I cannot say at this stage whether its completion will be delayed by the need for economy in capital investment.
§ Mr. MarplesWhen does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to announce the precise dates of the opening of these stations?
§ Mr. PalingWithin a few weeks.