HC Deb 17 July 1957 vol 573 cc1127-8
28. Mr. John MacLeod

asked the Postmaster-General when he expects to have television on the north-west coast mainland of Scotland, with particular reference to Ross and Cromarty.

Mr. K. Thompson

Because of the technical difficulties and costs involved the British Broadcastng Corporation is unable to say when this will be possible.

Mr. MacLeod

Has no survey of the area been made at all then? Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that further preference will not be given to areas which already have an adequate service before these remote areas have a service, which would be very beneficial to them, since they have very little of such entertainment, if they have any at all?

Mr. Thompson

The B.B.C. conducted an investigation into the requirements of Scotland and accepted a recommendation of the Broadcasting Council for Scotland, resulting in the proposal for the Orkneys station. That does not mean that anything else is precluded, but at the moment the answer must be as I have given it to the House.

Mr. Woodburn

May I ask the hon. Gentleman to keep in mind the valuable service he can thus render in persuading people to continue to inhabit these isolated areas, because it is extremely difficult to persuade them, women especially, to live in outlying areas when the amenities of the towns are so attractive? The provision of this service would be some inducement to people to stay in the isolated areas.

Mr. Thompson

That is one of the important social factors which both the B.B.C. and my right hon. Friend must take into account.

31. Mr. John MacLeod

asked the Postmaster-General what land line will become available to be used for the transmission of television from the Rosemarkie station to the mainland of Wester Ross

Mr. K. Thompson

No land line exists suitable for the purpose my hon. Friend has in mind.