§ 1. Mr. Haleasked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware that it is difficult and almost impossible to obtain an audible transmission of the Third Programme in the Oldham area; by what date it is anticipated that an adequate reception will be possible; and how far this will involve modification of existing receiving sets.
§ The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. David Gammans)I know there are difficulties, but the B.B.C. advises me that the aerial at the Daventry station was modified in August, and that this should have brought some improvement. With medium wavelengths nothing more is possible, but the new V.H.F. station at 350 Holme Moss should give good reception. This station is included in the Corporation's first list, and is expected to open towards the end of 1956. Adaptors will be needed for existing sets.
§ Mr. HaleIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this is the sort of answer that has been given for years, and until Lord Kemsley and Lord Rothermere take over Oldham's culture under the T.V. scheme the people of Oldham will pay the same amount for their annual licences as the people in London?
§ Mr. GammansAs I have explained to the House on more than one occasion, no improvement is possible on the medium wavelength, and that is one of the main reasons inducing the Government to sanction the V.H.F. programme which the B.B.C. is putting forward.