HC Deb 18 December 1962 vol 669 cc1067-8
19. Mr. Ridley

asked the Postmaster-General how many of the new series of Post Office radio stations, with high steel or concrete towers, he proposes to erect; and how many of these are either completed or in process of erection.

Mr. Bevins

Twenty-one radio masts or towers more than 200 feet in height have been completed or are being built, and a further 15 are planned.

Mr. Ridley

Would my right hon. Friend publish details of his plans for this series of towers, stating where they are all to go? Will he take particular care to consult all the local and amenity bodies concerned because of the danger of these towers spoiling some of the loveliest parts of England? Will they be erected on top of hills and will the Postmaster-General ensure that he takes the public with him and publishes the full scheme behind these plans?

Mr. Bevins

Yes. I am perfectly willing to give my hon. Friend the details of these particular schemes but, meanwhile, I can say clearly that the amenity bodies are always consulted where their interests are affected and, of course, the planning bodies are brought into the picture too.

20. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Postmaster-General what is the precise function of the chain of high radio towers recently constructed or planned; and what considerations determine the siting of these towers.

Mr. Bevins

The chain of high radio towers is part of a system of radio relay stations which has been under construction since 1949. It is required for the provision of telecommunications services by radio, and may also carry television signals between stations of the broadcasting authorities.

The towers must be sited not more than about 40 miles apart and in such positions that those towers communicating with each other have an uninterrupted "line of sight" between them.

Mr. Robinson

Is the Postmaster-General aware that his Department always manages to light with unerring accuracy on sites of great natural beauty with these 300 ft. concrete towers? Is this really necessary? Can he assure the House that the 36 under construction and planned, which the right hon. Gentleman referred to in his previous Answer, represent the limit, or is he going to pepper the countryside with these towers?

Mr. Bevins

Regarding the last part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, as I said in reply to my hon. Friend, there are 21 under construction now and a further 15 planned. There are no further under contemplation at the moment. One reason—and I understand the hon. Member's apprehensions here—why these towers tend to offend those of us who are interested in amenity is that they have to be sited on high ground. Having said that, I can assure the hon. Member that we do wherever possible situate them on high ground which is not offensive to amenity.

Mr. Ridley

Can my right hon. Friend say whether these towers have anything to do with defence and, if so, will he check to see that they are not already obsolete?

Mr. Bevins

It is the case that some of these masts and towers are essential for defence communications in time of emergency.