HC Deb 21 January 1953 vol 510 cc178-9
9. Mr. Grey

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General to give an estimated date when the North-East will have its own wavelength.

Mr. Gammans

None of the long or medium wavelengths allocated to the United Kingdom is available for the purpose and the only means of giving separate programmes in North-East England and Northern Ireland appears to be by a very high frequency transmission; my noble friend has promised that this will be provided as soon as the economic situation of the country permits.

Mr. Grey

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the number of listeners to the Third Programme prove that it has lost its appeal, and does he not think that one of the wavelengths used for the Third Programme could be used for the North-East of England?

Mr. Gammans

I have explained to the hon. Member and to the House why that cannot be done. I assure the hon. Member that the Television Advisory Committee, which is concerned with very high frequency, has already met on several occasions. As soon as its report is published it may be possible to give a more encouraging answer than I can give today.

Captain Orr

In view of the fact that countries behind the iron curtain are ignoring the Copenhagen Plan and are using our wavelengths, why should we not do the same?

Miss Lee

While an admittedly minority point of view is represented by the Third Programme, it is a very important and distinguished part of our service, unique in the world, and I hope that the hon. Gentleman will on no account sacrifice that programme.

Mr. Gammans

I do not think that that matter arises out of the Question put to me.

Mr. Grey

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the North-East is equally as important as the Third Programme? May I ask him when the report will be published?

Mr. Gammans

I cannot say at this stage.