§ 9. Mr. Hoosonasked the Postmaster-General what plans he has for improving the television and radio reception of licence holders in Montgomeryshire in 1964, in view of the fact that programmes transmitted from Wales in both media are not receivable in many areas in the county.
§ Mr. BevinsThe B.B.C. hopes to open its television and V.H.F. sound station at Machynlleth by the end of this year or soon after. The Corporation is preparing a further list of television and V.H.F. sound satellite stations but, until I receive its proposals, I am sorry I cannot comment with regard to individual areas.
This applies also to the I.T.A., which has also begun to plan low-power stations to improve and extend its coverage, which is not so extensive as that of the B.B.C.
§ Mr. HoosonI am gratified at the information about Machynlleth. Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the extent of the exasperation and disappointment felt by people who for years have waited patiently not only for decent television reception but also for decent radio reception of their own home service? Is there not a duty on his Department to move much more rapidly in this regard and provide a decent service for the whole area?
§ Mr. BevinsI appreciate what the hon. Gentleman says. What he says is true of Central Wales, of various areas in Scotland, and other parts of the North. However, the responsibility for this rests primarily on the B.B.C. and the I.T.A., which have assured me that there will be no undue delay in meeting this demand.
§ Mr. HoosonDoes not the Postmaster-General appreciate that it is his duty to say whether he is satisfied with the progress being made in this regard by the B.B.C. and the I.T.A.? Will he tell the House whether he is satisfied with the progress?
§ Mr. BevinsYes, I am satisfied that both the broadcasting organisations are pressing on as fast as they can to meet this demand.