HC Deb 17 November 1964 vol 702 cc188-9
20. Mr. Steele

asked the Postmaster-General if he will now make a statement on the provision of a low-power television station to serve West Dunbartonshire.

Mr. Joseph Slater

No, Sir. I would ask my hon. Friend to await the announcement, which my right hon. Friend expects to make shortly, about the B.B.C.'s plans for improving television reception and coverage.

Mr. Steele

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is the same disappointing and unsatisfactory reply that I have been receiving over the years, and that I had hoped for a little more encouragement? Is he aware that many of my constituents will take a very dim view of further extensions to existing channels while they are still unable to receive programmes from one channel?

Mr. Slater

I am very sorry that I have to give such a disappointing reply to my hon. Friend, but I think that it would be generally agreed that the right course is to present the plan as a whole. My hon. Friend will realise that there are some places which have no service at all, which have first to be considered.