HC Deb 14 March 1951 vol 485 cc1526-7
9. Brigadier Peto

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can now reply to the letter from the honourable and gallant Member for Devon, North, dated 22nd February, on the subject of radio reception in North Devon.

Mr. Hobson

My right hon. Friend hopes that the hon. and gallant Member has already received his reply.

Brigadier Peto

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the reply of the Postmaster-General gave no satisfaction, and that he covered himself with the cloak of the B.B.C? Is it not time that the Minister took responsibility for his office?

Mr. Hobson

I must recommend the hon. and gallant Member to read the Charter under which the B.B.C. has its licence.

Mrs. Middleton

Is my hon. Friend aware that the only chance which people living in this area have of receiving a reasonably objective account, either of Government policy or of what happens in this House, is through the good offices of the B.B.C, and, in view of the fact that people are at present so much under the control of the Press and Tory propagandists, will he do his utmost to expedite this service?

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

In view of the unsatisfactory reception in many parts of the country, which is not entirely due to the B.B.C. by any means would the Assistant Postmaster-General consider hastening the establishment of V.H.F. broadcasting stations which could boost the B.B.C. services in the different regional areas?

Mr. Hobson

That is an entirely different question from the one on the Order Paper.

Sir Harold Roper

Can the Assistant Postmaster-General tell us by what date we may expect some results from the action taken in reference to North Devon and North Cornwall?