§ 1. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Assistant Postmaster-General, in view of his policy that, owing to shortage of finance and materials, television facilities cannot yet be provided for Aberdeen, why he has authorised the provision of a booster television station for Brighton and Hove in Sussex, which already had television facilities; and if he will now revise his refusal to provide immediate television facilities for Aberdeen and the North-East of Scotland.
§ The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. David Gammans)As I have already informed the hon. and learned Member, the booster station was authorised in order to give reasonable service to some thousands of people who had already invested in television sets but could make little effective use of them owing to the screening effect of the South Downs. As regards the second part of the Question, a general statement on television will be made shortly.
§ Mr. HughesAs official television facilities are being afforded not only to Brighton but to certain continental countries, including France and Belgium, at considerable national expense in money and labour, surely the hon. Gentleman can do something to boost television for Aberdeen?
§ Mr. GammansThe hon. and learned Gentleman had better wait until I make my general statement on television development.
§ Mr. John MacLeodWhat area northwards is the station in Aberdeen likely to serve?
§ Mr. GammansThere is no station yet in Aberdeen.
§ Mr. MacLeodI know that, but what radius northwards will be served if there is soon to be a station at Aberdeen, as I hope there will be?
§ Mr. GammansI must ask my hon. Friend to give me notice of that question.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsCan the hon. Gentleman indicate when he is proposing to make the general statement on television development?
§ Mr. GammansI hope it will be not too long after the House reassembles.