§ 17. Mr. S. S. Awberyasked the Assistant Postmaster-General what progress is being made with the television transmission station now being erected to serve the South-West Region; and at what date he expects it to be ready for the transmission of television programmes.
§ Mr. GammansThe B.B.C. informs me that work on the television station at Wenvoe has gone ahead according to schedule, but in view of the present uncertain supply position it is too early to 965 say whether it will be ready to transmit programmes by the middle of 1952 as planned.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that while for a long time large sections of people in this country have had the privilege of watching television, a large number have been deprived of it? Will he do all he can to speed up the provision so that those deprived in the past may have an opportunity of seeing it?
§ 29. Mr. George Thomasasked the Assistant Postmaster-General if the cable connecting the Wenvoe television transmitter has been laid; and by what date the Post Office's side of the service will he completed.
§ Mr. GammansThe laying of the cable is almost completed and the equipment to be associated with it is being installed. The cable will not be ready for service before November, 1952, but by about the middle of next year we expect to be able to provide a radio link for temporary use.
§ Mr. ThomasDoes that answer mean that we shall have some sort of television in the middle of next year, or is this simply a step towards it?
§ Mr. GammansIt is hoped so.
§ Mr. ThomasAm I to rely on the faith of the hon. Gentleman or the work of the Post Office?
§ Mr. Edward ShortWhy should Wales have this preferential treatment over the north-east?
§ Miss Irene WardDoes my hon. Friend propose to co-operate with the Government in providing incentives for the industrial workers of the north-east coast?
§ Mr. GammansThat is another question. It does not arise on the question of the Wenvoe transmitter.
§ 30. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Assistant Postmaster-General what is the estimated cost of erecting the television transmitter at Wenvoe; and whether all orders for equipment have been placed.
§ Mr. GammansThe B.B.C. informs me that the estimated cost of the television station is£330,000. All orders for equipment have been placed.
§ Mr. ThomasCan the Minister say when he expects the equipment to be delivered, and what reasons there are for his earlier reply that there will be a delay in providing this facility?
§ Mr. GammansThe reason for the delay in this and many other matters is of course the defence programme.
§ Mr. ThomasIn view of that dismal story and the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible date.