HC Deb 14 March 1956 vol 550 cc358-9
20. Commander Donaldson

asked the Postmaster-General what further information he has relating to the establishment of a V.H.F. station in the borders of Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alport

The B.B.C. tells my right hon. Friend that it is still considering the question of a V.H.F. station to serve South-East Scotland.

Commander Donaldson

Cannot my hon. Friend go further than that? It was on 21st December that his right hon. Friend gave me an assurance that he would write to me giving further information on the subject, and the people on the borders of Scotland are still very concerned about the inadequacy of radio reception on the Home, Light and Third programmes.

Mr. Alport

My right hon. Friend is aware of this concern. I can give my hon. and gallant Friend the assurance that the improvement of this service will not be affected by any capital cuts which may be contemplated by the B.B.C. The position really is that it is not yet certain whether it will be possible to meet the requirements of this area from Pontop Pike or Kirk o' Shotts, which would mean that it would not be necessary to include a new station at Galashiels in order to cope with the needs of the area.