HC Deb 18 December 1963 vol 686 cc1221-2
1. Mr. Kitson

asked the Postmaster-General when it is intended to improve the present unsatisfactory reception of the British Broadcasting Corporation television in the Aysgarth and Leyburn area; and what the estimated cost is.

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. Ray Mawby)

As my right hon. Friend told the hon. Member for Merioneth (Mr. T. W. Jones) on 4th December, the B.B.C. are continuing to plan improvements and extensions of their television coverage by means of low-power stations, of which the first three batches are in hand. We understand that they are now preparing a fourth list of such stations, but, until my right hon. Friend receives their proposals, he is sorry he cannot comment with regard to individual areas.

Mr. Kitson

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that there is virtually no television reception in this area and that the inhabitants object to paying £4 for nothing? Will he try to make sure that they are included on the new list?

Mr. Mawby

Naturally, I take that into account. I think that it would be of interest to the House to know that when the present satellite stations already authorised are in operation the B.B.C.'s first television programme will be available to almost 99.5 per cent. of the population. This is no mean achievement and is probably better than that in any other country.