HC Deb 09 July 1958 vol 591 cc396-7
49. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has yet received any advice from the Television Advisory Committee on the allocation of further channels in Band III for the provision of a third television programme.

Mr. Marples

It has advised me on the technical point that it is possible to allocate channels in Band III to provide a third television service with substantial national coverage. It does not advise me on who should operate such a service.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Among the advice that the right hon. Gentleman has received, does the Advisory Committee suggest that a 100 per cent. coverage is possible with the present two programmes if a third programme is provided on Band III?

Mr. Marples

The Committee did not mention the existing channels. The four channels of Band III which will be available when we move the people at present using them would allow for a coverage of between 95 per cent. and 98 per cent.

Mr. Ness Edwards

The right hon. Gentleman has not got my point. I asked whether or not the use of those four channels by the I.T.A. or the B.B.C. for a third programme would prevent a complete coverage by the other two programmes.

Mr. Marples

Nothing in respect of the four channels has any bearing upon the other channels.

50. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Postmaster-General What proportion of the population has been provided with two television programmes.

Mr. Marples

At present 75 per cent. of the population can receive both B.B.C. and I.T.A. programmes

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