HC Deb 11 July 1956 vol 556 cc377-8
7. Mr. G. Darling

asked the Postmaster-General what technical reasons prevented the Holme Moss transmitter from being used for both the British Broadcasting Corporation and Independent Television Authority television services.

Dr. Hill

The B.B.C. mast at Holme Moss was not designed to carry the additional load of a separate I.T.A. aerial of the required size and its transmission link with apparatus at ground level. The B.B.C. offered to share their aerial with the I.T.A. but this would not have given the Authority the radiated power it required.

Mr. Darling

While appreciating that there are technical difficulties, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has any persuasive or other powers to make sure that duplication of transmitters will not occur?

Dr. Hill

As the hon. Gentleman points out, in this case, with the Holme Moss B.B.C. aerial already there, there are serious technical difficulties, but, on the general proposition, as I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Westmorland (Mr. Vane) a little time ago, I am doing my utmost to see that there are not two aerials where one will do.