§ 18. Mr. C. S. Taylorasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the unsatisfactory radio reception in South-East England, he is prepared to suspend the collection of licence fees in this area until the reception is improved.
§ Mr. TaylorWhile it is quite impossible for the residents of this area to receive any of the B.B.C's. services because of interference and bad reception, why should they have to pay the present licence fee? They ought to have compensation.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI understand that one programme is received very clearly in that area. I can give the hon. Gentleman this, I hope, helpful information: the Russians have now undertaken to prevent the interference which is now taking place.
§ Mr. MarloweIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reception in this area has been the subject of widespread complaint, and that although representations have been made to his Department there is a feeling that those representations are not being adequately considered in his Department? When the right hon. Gentleman says that one programme is well received, is he aware that the station is Luxembourg?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe B.B.C. are responsible in this matter, and they inform me that the Light Programme can be adequately received there. Complaints have been received about the reception of the Home Service. I told the House some time ago that representations were being made to the Russians, who were causing interference. We have now received a reply from them, in which they say they will take steps to obviate the interference.