§ 7. Mr. Greyasked the Postmaster-General when it is expected that more Home Service programmes will originate from the regions.
§ The Postmaster-General (Mr. Ernest Marples)I assume the hon. Member has in mind the recent statement bv the 1204 B.B.C. that Regional programmes of country-wide appeal will be increasingly included in its main programmes. The B.B.C. informs me that this policy is now in operation and will be developed as opportunity offers.
§ Mr. GreyWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the problem of the North-East, which seems to have no power at all over programmes which will satisfy listeners in the North-East? Will he consider the matter and see what can be done to give a better service to the North-East?
§ Mr. MarplesThe problems of the North-East are continually in my mind. Programme content is a matter for the B.B.C.
§ Mr. ShinwellBut will the right hon. Gentleman get them out of his mind and get them resolved? Why should we be treated in this scurvy fashion?
§ Mr. MarplesI would not dare to treat the right hon. Gentleman in a scurvy fashion.
§ Dame Irene WardThis is a very sore point with the North-East. Does not my right hon. Friend think that we ought to have two Home regional programmes to make up for having to share a wavelength with Northern Ireland, thus cutting our share in half?
§ Mr. MarplesThe Northern Ireland portion of the programmes which are broadcast in the North-East is less than 10 per cent, of the 115 hours a week broadcasting for the area.