HC Deb 29 July 1953 vol 518 cc1271-2
22. Miss Ward

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware that in the northern region the sound and television reception at the present moment leave much to be desired; and what he is doing to improve the situation.

Mr. Gammans

Good television reception is given in North-East England within the range of the temporary station at Pontop Pike, and the B.B.C. have now been authorised to go ahead with a permanent station which will give an appreciably wider range. The solution to the present difficulties in sound reception lies in the introduction of very high frequency sound broadcasting, and my noble Friend has promised to give North-East England priority in this matter. Before such a system can be introduced it will be necessary to determine the form of modulation to be used, and this is now being considered by the Television Advisory Committee.

Miss Ward

I thank my hon. Friend for that information, but can he tell me whether more than its revenue is being spent on the services of the Northern Region, because that sounds an attractive proposal?

Mr. Gammans

That is a different question from the one on the Order Paper, and if my hon. Friend wants to know that, perhaps she will put down a Question.

Sir H. Williams

For the information of those who do not live in the North-East, can my hon. Friend say where Pontop Pike is?

Mr. Gammans

My hon. Friend should seek not my advice but that of some other hon. Members who live in that area.

Captain Orr

Has my hon. Friend yet decided about the question of modulation? Is his mind moving on amplitude or frequency lines?