HC Deb 08 February 1961 vol 634 cc383-4
25. Mr. C. Osborne

asked the Postmaster-General what is the estimated cost of setting up a satellite transmitter to enable the North Regional Home Service programmes to be better received in the North Lincolnshire area; in view of the large number of complaints his Department has received on this matter, what steps he is taking; and how soon they will be effective.

The Postmaster-General (Mr. Reginald Bevins)

I have already authorised the British Broadcasting Corporation to provide a V.H.F. sound station in East Lincolnshire in the second stage of its satellite scheme, and this is expected to cover those parts of Lincolnshire not now adequately served by existing V.H.F. stations. All stations in this stage are due to be completed by March, 1964.

The cost will be of the order of £50,000.

Mr. Osborne

I am much obliged to my right hon. Friend for that promise. He hopes that the scheme will be completed by 1964. Cannot we have it a little quicker? Both viewers and listeners in North Lincolnshire feel that they are on the outer fringe of both the Northern and the Midlands Service, and that they do not get a good service from either. Cannot this be completed a little earlier?

Mr. Bevins

The second stage will be finished by 1964, and I hope that that part of the programme with which my hon. Friend is concerned will be finished well before that.