HC Deb 20 March 1962 vol 656 c192
15 and 16. Mr Holland

asked the Postmaster-General (1) what plans he has for the utilisation of ultra high frequency television wave bands; and

(2) if he will allocate a television channel for educational broadcasts only.

The Postmaster-General (Mr. Reginald Bevins)

As my hon. Friend will realise, these are two of the major issues on which the Pilkington Committee on Broadcasting will presently report. I think we must wait and see what it recommends.

Mr. Holland

In view of the multiplicity of channels which have become available with the development of ultrahigh frequency wave bands, in considering the Pilkington Committee's Report will my right hon. Friend carefully consider the possibility of making available two channels for the duplication of existing programmes by using the 625-line system and another channel for experimental purposes?

As a supplementary question to Question No. 16, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, in addition to the tremendous potential of television as a visual aid in the schools, the 1,200,000 adults who turn out in the evenings to attend classes form the nucleus of a large audience for evening adult education programmes?

Mr. Bevins

Yes, Sir. All those possibilities have been put to the Pilkington Committee and presently they will all be considered by the Government, although I cannot say yet what will be the result.