28. Mrs. Butlerasked the Postmaster-General what discussions he has had with the British Broadcasting Corporation about the continued use of Alexandra Palace for television, and about putting these arrangements on a permanent basis so as to maintain alternative television facilities in the event of a breakdown at the main television centre or in other emergencies.
§ Mr. BevinsThe maintenance of television services in the event either of a breakdown in any of the B.B.C.'s centres or of other emergencies is a matter for the Corporation rather than for me. The Corporation has, however, told me that it is retaining Alexandra Palace for television news services until 1967 at least.
Mrs. ButlerSince the centre at Alexandra Palace demonstrated its value in the recent black-out at the main television centre, and since the service at Alexandra Palace is to go out of use, I understand, after the date which the right hon. Gentleman mentions, would it not be appropriate for the Postmaster-General to have discussions with the Corporation to ensure that the service there is continued, as this is a matter of national importance and there is great value in having more television centres?
§ Mr. BevinsI agree that this is a matter of public importance, but the Corporation's lease of Alexandra Palace expires in 1967 and it will then be for the Corporation, not for me to decide whether it is renewed or not. In this connection, of course, one ought to weigh the 212 expenditure on a future lease with the risk of a further breakdown, which, on any view, is really rather remote.