HC Deb 30 June 1954 vol 529 cc1339-40
27. Mr. Hobson

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what tests for television broadcasts have taken place on Band III; and on what channels.

Mr. Gammans

A number of radio manufacturers are carrying out experimental and development work in this band and the B.B.C. are also conducting tests. The tests have not been confined to specific channels.

28. Mr. Hobson

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what channels have been allocated to the British Broadcasting Corporation on Band III.

Mr. Gammans

None, Sir. Full coverage of the B.B.C.'s present television programme is catered for in Band I. If, however, the hon. Member is referring to the possibility of the B.B.C. doing a second programme in Band III, I would remind him that the Corporation does not plan to start such a programme before 1957.

Mr. Hobson

Is it proposed to allocate two channels to the B.B.C. in Band III?

Mr. Gammans

A decision has to be reached yet as to whether the B.B.C. is to have a second programme.

Mr. H. Morrison

Are we to understand that, in order that this field may be monopolised by private interests, the Government may refuse the B.B.C. a second programme, which the B.B.C. offered to provide, an offer which completely demolishes the Government's idea that the B.B.C. is not willing to institute a competitive service?

Mr. Gammans

If the right hon. Gentleman puts his question slightly differently, I can give him a straight answer. The B.B.C. has put forward a 10-year development plan, which includes a second programme, but no decision has been taken yet as to whether that development plan is to be fully accepted.

Mr. Hobson

Why is the B.B.C. experimenting on Band III when it is proposed that, if the B.B.C. has a second programme, it will be broadcast on Band II?

Mr. Gammans

I think that the hon. Member is incorrect. If the B.B.C. does have a second programme it will be broadcast in Band III.

29. Mr. Hobson

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what services it is proposed to remove from Band III.

Mr. Gammans

The land mobile services will need to move from Band III, and this would release two channels. Some of the other services listed in my reply of the 29th July, 1953, may also need to be moved, but the full extent of these moves can only be determined as television development proceeds.

Mr. Hobson

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that his decision is grossly unfair to those who are already using Band III and that it puts them to a great deal of unnecessary expenditure purely in order to have sponsored television?

Mr. Gammans

The two channels allotted to commercial television are two channels which are already available. As to mobile services, one of the conditions of the licences, which they fully understood when the licences were taken out, was that they might have to move from that Band.

Mr. Gibson

Is it not correct that these services have been promised other facilities in another Band?

Mr. Gammans

They would not be taken off the air.