HC Deb 07 July 1954 vol 529 cc2138-9
20 and 21. Mr. Hobson

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General (1) what arrangements the Post Office are making to provide co-axial cables or radio links between the main stations of the proposed Independent Television Authority network;

(2) how long it will take to complete the cable or links to allow the same programmes to be broadcast from all Independent Television Authority stations.

Mr. Gammans

No decision has yet been reached on the actual sites of the I.T.A. transmitters, but on the assumption that they will be near the existing B.B.C. transmitters in London, the Midlands and Lancashire, the Post Office is satisfied that the links will be ready by the time the I.T.A. stations are completed. The link between London and the Midlands will probably be by radio, and from the Midlands to Lancashire by spare co-axial cable.

Mr. Hobson

Can the Assistant Postmaster-General say, with regard to the cost of running these co-axial cables which are to be installed by the Post Office, whether the same terms will be charged to the I.T.A. as are already charged to the B.B.C.?

Mr. Gammans

They will certainly be computed on the same basis.