HC Deb 06 July 1960 vol 626 cc444-5
34. Mr. Watkins

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will sanction the British Broadcasting Corporation to expedite the construction of the satellite station near Llandrindod Wells both for very high frequency radio and television inasmuch as the equipment is available; and whether he will give an assurance that the service will be available before next year.

Miss Pike

The B.B.C. does not need such sanction from my right hon. Friend. It tells us that it is pressing on as fast as it can with this station, but it cannot promise operation before the early summer of next year.

Mr. Watkins

Although her right hon. Friend has no power to direct the B.B.C., could the hon. Lady use her charming manner in order to ask it to do so? I do not want to see my constituents spending another Christmas without proper television reception, and with the bad weather in Wales they want to hear the radio at times.

Miss Pike

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the B.B.C. is pressing on with this as quickly as possible.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Will the hon. Lady convey to the B.B.C. that we are of the impression that it has "ratted" on an undertaking given to a delegation of Welsh Members in connection with this matter?

Miss Pike

I am sure that it will take note of the right hon. Gentleman's observations.

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