§ 15. Mr. Haymanasked the Assistant Postmaster-General when the Government expect to be able to release the British Broadcasting Corporation from the ban on capital expenditure projects which now prevents the Corporation from introducing very high frequency broadcasting.
§ Mr. GammansBefore very high frequency sound broadcasting can begin the form of modulation to be used and the best way of developing the service must be decided. The Television Advisory Committee has been asked to consider these questions as soon as possible. When they have been settled, the rate of progress will depend on the amount of the national capital resources which can be allotted to this and other B.B.C. developments.
§ Mr. HaymanWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the whole of Cornwall has bad reception on the Home Service, and that at Penryn and Falmouth, which are within a few miles of the Redruth transmitter, there is very bad reception on the Light Programme, and that this also applies, so far as the Home Service is concerned, to many parts of the country? Will the hon. Gentleman endeavour to persuade the Government to relax the ban on capital expenditure as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. GammansI know that many parts of Cornwall have very unsatisfactory reception, but the extent to which that can be remedied soon must, of course, depend, as I have said in my original answer, on the allotment of capital resources.
§ Mr. HobsonWill the hon. Gentleman take steps to expedite the decision of the Television Advisory Committee with regard to the form of modulation, because it is very essential in view of future developments?
§ Mr. GammansI am hoping that the Television Advisory Committee will make a report upon this matter before very long.
§ Sir H. RoperCan my hon. Friend give any idea of what amount of capital expenditure is involved in the introduction of V.H.F.?
§ Mr. GammansI should want notice of that.