§ 54. Mr. Masonasked the Postmaster-General what representations he has received from pay television promoters 229 to enlarge experiments on pay television, particularly by the use of more than one channel; and what was the nature of his reply.
§ The Postmaster-General (Mr. Reginald Bevins)Some of those who are interested in taking part in the experiments have asked to be allowed to try out a two or three programme service so as to demonstrate the full potential of pay television, in particular for minority programming in education, the arts and sport at peak hours.
While not ruling this out later on, the Government consider that at this stage an experiment on the basis of a single programme, as envisaged in the White Paper (Cmnd. 1893), should be capable of demonstrating the possibilities of pay television.
I have replied in this sense.
§ Mr. MasonI am much obliged for that reply. I appreciate the pressure which must be brought to bear on the Minister by this new lobby to expand their pay television services? Will the Minister say whether it is possible to have more facilities available for the growth of pay television? Is it not a fact that because of the lack of resources this would prove very difficult? Could the Minister now state what in total we have agreed to for the development of these experiments?
§ Mr. BevinsI am not aware of any lobby for pay television. All I can say at the moment is that the Government and the Post Office are examining the applications we have received. We are having discussions with the various interested parties. As soon as I am in a position to say what is likely to emerge, I will very gladly tell the House.
§ Mr. MasonWill the Minister tell the House how many companies have made approaches to him for permission to start experiments?
§ Mr. BevinsSpeaking off the cuff. I think about ten.