HC Deb 28 November 1951 vol 494 c1517
63. Mr. F. H. Hayman

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General to what extent the proposed low-powered medium wave transmitter for improving the reception of the Home Service in South-East England is being proceeded with.

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. David Gammans)

I understand from the B.B.C. that temporary transmitters are already working at Brighton, Hastings and Ramsgate. The B.B.C. hopes to start transmissions from Folkestone early in the New Year.

Mr. Hayman

Will the hon. Gentleman now take steps to get the B.B.C. to give us better transmission facilities in South-West England?

Mr. Gammans

I can inform the hon. Member, although he did not put it in his Question, that a low-powered transmitter has already been arranged for on a site near Barnstaple, and it is hoped that will come into operation some time early in the New Year.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Can my hon. Friend say whether that transmitter will give us any better service than the present appallingly bad Home Service reception in West Cornwall?

Mr. Gammans

I cannot say that in advance, but the idea of the temporary transmitter is to give a better service than South-West England is now getting.