§ 10. Mr. Whitelawasked the Postmaster-General whether the technical arrangements connected with the installation of the new high frequency wireless and television station in Cumberland have 379 now been completed; when it is proposed to start work on it; and on what date it is hoped to commence transmission from this station.
Dr. HillPreparatory work has already started on the new B.B.C. television station at Sandale, near Carlisle. The permanent transmitters will be ready for service towards the end of 1957, though the B.B.C. hopes to provide a temporary television service before the end of this year. I hope that a V.H.F. sound station at Carlisle will be included in the next stage of the V.H.F. sound programme, which I am now discussing with the B.B.C.
§ Mr. WhitelawWhile appreciating the efforts that my right hon. Friend is making in this part of the world, may I ask if he would impart a real sense of urgency into all those members of his Department who are concerned in this work, in order that the long-suffering viewers and listeners in a very neglected area should be given the decent reception to which I know he believes they are really entitled?
Dr. HillMy hon. Friend will realise that this is primarily a matter for the B.B.C., and I would say to him that the answer I have given today shows a determined and relatively speedy effort to deal with this local problem.