HC Deb 09 December 1959 vol 615 cc510-1
36. Mr. Mason

asked the Postmaster-General what representations have been made to him from the British Broadcasting Corporation regarding the development of its sound services and particularly extensions of local broadcasting; and if he will make a statement on this projected development.

Mr. Bevins

The B.B.C. is continuing to develop and extend its very high frequency sound services which are now available to 96.4 per cent. of the population. The Corporation tells me that it has also been studying a plan to provide V.H.F. stations for local broadcasting, but it has not yet put any definite proposals to me. Any such proposals will need careful consideration.

Mr. Mason

The right hon. Gentleman must obviously have the full review in mind. Will he assure the House that the voices of pressure groups now developing for the purpose of getting licences for commercial sound broadcasting will fall upon a deaf ear until the full review has taken place?

Mr. Bevins

The question of commercial sound television does not arise out of this Question, which is confined to the proposals of the B.B.C.

Mr. Short

In considering this matter will the Postmaster-General bear in mind that the north-east of England is still the only area in the British Isles without its own medium wave length and that we are still sharing with Northern Ireland? If another medium wave length becomes available, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that we have the first claim on it?

Mr. Bevins

I am sure that is being borne in mind.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Will the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind the fact that if he does give concessions to commercial sound radio it will completely thwart the V.H.F. development of the B.B.C.?

Mr. Bevins

That would involve a major departure from existing broadcasting policy and clearly would have to be reviewed within the whole context of future broadcasting.

Sir R. Grimston

Will my right hon. Friend refrain from giving any undertaking that the State monopoly in sound broadcasting should continue for ever?

Mr. Bevins

I have given no such undertaking.

Mr. Ness Edwards

But did not the Postmaster-General give an undertaking that there would be no change in policy before this House had an opportunity to discuss the matter?

Mr. Bevins

I said there would be no major change of the kind envisaged by certain hon. Gentlemen until the future of television and broadcasting has been adequately reviewed.