§ 1. Mr. Dudley Williamsasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the dissatisfaction that is felt in Exeter regarding the poor standard of television reception; and what steps he is taking to secure an improvement.
§ The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. Kenneth Thompson)I understand that in certain propagation conditions there is occasional interference with television reception in Exeter from continental television stations. Apart from this, the British Broadcasting Corporation tells me that reception should be generally satisfactory.
Exeter is beyond range of the Independent Television Authority's service at present. It hopes to extend its coverage to the South-West during the winter of 1960–61.
§ Mr. WilliamsCan my hon. Friend say whether he has made any representations to his right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary in order that negotiations may take place with the French Government to see whether this interference can be cut out?
§ Mr. ThompsonThe problem arises from the necessity to share television frequencies both among various stations in this country and between stations in this country and the Continent. It is only in certain propagation conditions that the trouble arises, and we are in constant touch with the other authorities.