HC Deb 21 May 1958 vol 588 c1277
3. Mr. Darling

asked the Postmaster-General which areas of Kent are to be served with low-power television transmitters; and what are their approximate populations.

Mr. Marples

An experimental low-power satellite station is to be installed by the B.B.C. at Folkestone during the next few months, and is expected to serve about 40,000 people.

Mr. Darling

Could the Postmaster-General tell us what priority the B.B.C. works on in this matter? Is he aware that Sheffield, with a population of half a million, has been asking for experimental low-power transmitters for some years? Sheffield is one of the most important wealth-producing areas of this country. Why cannot it have the treatment its position deserves?

Mr. Marples

First, this is an experiment; it is not an installation in the normal course of expansion. If it is successful, the B.B.C. will consider applying it to other parts of the country, and I am sure they will not exclude Sheffield from their consideration.