HC Deb 27 July 1960 vol 627 c1628
6. Mr. Maginnis

asked the Postmaster-General what plans he has for providing a two-way television link between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Mr. Bevins

None, Sir. I have not been asked to provide a link by the broadcasting authorities.

Mr. Maginnis

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Northern Ireland is the only region of the United Kingdom which cannot televise programmes in the national network? Is he, further, aware that many first-class cultural and sporting events take place in Northern Ireland and that viewers in Britain would greatly appreciate being able to see them? Is he aware that it is vital to televise programmes from Northern Ireland if we are to play our full part in the progress of television in Great Britain and the Continent of Europe?

Mr. Bevins

I am in no doubt at all about the high cultural value of television programmes in Northern Ireland, but it is the fact that the B.B.C. sets up its own temporary link when it wants to relay programmes back to this country. I have had no request from the I.T.A. for a link back from Northern Ireland to this country.