§ 23. Mr. Millsasked the Postmaster-General, in view of the unsatisfactory television reception in certain areas of Northern Ireland, which has led to many complaints, what steps he intends to take to improve the situation.
§ Mr. BevinsB.B.C. television already reaches 95 per cent. of the population of Northern Ireland, and the Corporation intends to extend its coverage by opening a satellite station in the Enniskillen area. There are, however, areas of poor reception within its coverage due to the lie of the land, and the Corporation will bear these in mind in future plans.
With the opening of the Black Mountain station on 31st October, the I.T.A. service is now within reach of nearly 90 per cent. of the population. The I.T.A. tells me that it hopes to open a station in the Londonderry area later on.
§ Mr. MillsI thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer, but may I ask whether he is aware that there are a number of television black spots in the province, where great difficulty is experienced in obtaining Independent Television reception, although the full licence fee must be paid by the householders in that area?
§ Mr. BevinsI am aware of that fact. The I.T.A. is planning a further station for Northern Ireland, in the Londonderry area. I am sorry that I cannot say when this station will be opened.