§ 1. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Postmaster-General what amounts of materials are used in the provision of television services which might otherwise be used for speeding up the provision of telephones.
§ The Postmaster General (Mr. Ness Edwards)Many materials are required for the provision of television services; among the principal ones used for extending the B.B.C.'s service to the Midlands were: steel 365 tons; lead 176 tons; and copper 102 tons. These amounts, 372 which are approximate, represent the combined user by the B.B.C. and the Post Office in providing the transmitting station, the radio communicating link and the cables associated with the link. In addition, buildings were provided costing £80,000. It is not possible to say to what use such material might be put if television were not extended.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this actual material could have been used for the provision of telephones if it were not used for the other purpose?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsCable, which is the most expensive item, can always be used for Post Office purposes, even if eventually it is not required for the television purposes.