HC Deb 27 March 1962 vol 656 cc985-6
2. Mr. Grey

asked the Postmaster-General when it is expected that local broadcasting will be introduced in Great Britain.

The Postmaster-General (Mr. Reginald Bevins)

No decision will be taken one way or the other until after the Pilkington Committee has reported.

Mr. Grey

Is the Postmaster-General aware of the tremendous success of the experiments in local broadcasting carried out in Durham a few weeks ago, and does he appreciate that Durham would welcome such a facility? If this kind of local broadcasting is to take place, will the right hon. Gentleman give it top priority?

Mr. Bevins

I have heard of those reports, but it is really premature to say anything definite on them yet.

19. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a statement regarding the reports he has received from the British Broadcasting Corporation regarding the Coropration's experiments in local broadcasting.

Mr. Bevins

I have not received any reports from the B.B.C. about its experiments in local broadcasting.

Mr. Donnelly

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was rather afraid of this? Does he, by any chance, read the newspapers? If he does, has he noticed that the B.B.C. has carried out experiments? If he has kept with me in this intellectual process so far, may I ask why he has not troubled to inform himself about this? Can it be that he is in the hands of some commercial vested interest?

Mr. Bevins

I read the newspapers, and I also read the Order Paper. Although I can do all sorts of things, I cannot make a statement on reports that I have never had.