HC Deb 07 July 1964 vol 698 cc208-9
26. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Postmaster-General if he will authorise the British Broadcasting Corporation to initiate local broadcasting stations in Scotland.

Mr. Bevins

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made on 2nd June.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government are very laggard in encouraging and allowing the B.B.C. to pioneer this kind of activity? Does not the Minister agree that if the B.B.C. were allowed to do this kind of pioneering work, particularly in Scotland, it might do a considerable amount to help the economic development of the area, which everybody in the House so much desires?

Mr. Bevins

I do not quarrel with the sentiments expressed by the hon. Member, but I have made it clear that the Government intend to carry out a review of local sound broadcasting in all its aspects when we have won the next General Election. That review will include Scotland.

Sir Harmar Nicholls

Is the House to understand from my right hon. Friend that favourable consideration will be given to commercial local sound broadcasting?

Mr. Bevins

I can only refer my hon. Friend to the carefully worded statement which I made in the House a week or two ago.

Mr. Ross

Is this another part of the Government's policy which will be unveiled after the election? Would not there be merit in going ahead with this proposal now, particularly in those parts of Scotland which cannot receive even one television channel? Would it not be worth while giving them the opportunity of initiating local broadcasting services?

Mr. Bevins

As the hon. Member will appreciate, there is not a great deal of time before the end of the month and there are many considerations which must be fully thrashed out before decisions are taken.