HC Deb 26 March 1952 vol 498 cc396-7
31. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what television reception tests for North-East Scotland have been made recently by his Department: and with what results.

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. David Gammans)

No such tests have been made by my Department. The B.B.C. has carried out tests from sites in North-East Scotland to see whether they are suitable for a television station. The results are being studied by the Corporation but for the present no work will be done on setting up a station.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware of the tests made recently in Aberdeen, when the television station at Shotts was opened, during which test photographs of screen pictures were actually taken in Aberdeen, though they were blurred? Does not that indicate that, if strengthened, Shotts station might be used for sending television pictures to Aberdeen?

Mr. Gammans

That is not the Question the hon. and learned Member asked. If he cares to put that down, I will give him an answer.

Mr. Hughes

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware of the test to which I have referred? Is it not his business to know of that test?

Mr. Gammans

It has nothing whatever to do with the Question which the hon. and learned Member has on the Order Paper.

32. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is aware that there is a demand for television facilities in the North-East of Scotland; and if he will reconsider his decision to postpone the proposed television station for Aberdeen.

Mr. Gammans

My noble Friend realises that there is a demand for television in this, as well as in other parts of the United Kingdom. Provision of a station at Aberdeen was postponed by the last Government owing to defence and economic reasons and for the present he regrets that he cannot alter that decision.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the Minister aware that this should not be made a party question and a party answer of that kind given? Does the test to which I have just referred on the previous Question not indicate that the Shotts station could possibly be used, if strengthened, for television in North-East Scotland?

Mr. Gammans

It was not in the least a party answer. I have merely stated what is a fact.