HC Deb 30 June 1965 vol 715 cc603-4
25. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Postmaster-General what plans he has for extending the coverage of B.B.C. 2 television to Scotland.

30. Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

asked the Postmaster-General when he expects B.B.C. 2 to be available in Scotland.

Mr. Joseph Slater

Planning the extension of the coverage of B.B.C. 2 is a matter, in the first place, for the B.B.C. The first of its main UHF stations to bring B.B.C. 2 to Scotland is expected to open at Black Hill next December. This station will serve central Scotland including Glasgow and part of Edinburgh. A second station is expected to open at Durris towards the end of next year or soon afterwards, to serve North East Scotland. Further stations are being planned to extend B.B.C. 2 to the rest of Scotland, but it is too early to say when the additional stations are likely to open.

Mr. Hamilton

Can my hon. Friend give an assurance that, for a change, in the future when any new service is developed by the B.B.C., or by a public service organisation, the regions outside London will get first "go" and that London will come last? Does he recognise we are getting rather tired, in Scotland and the North-East and elsewhere, of London getting first choice and the regions lagging behind, although the regions are called upon every time to pay at the same time as London?

Mr. Slater

I can understand the feelings of my hon. Friend, and many other hon. Members in this respect and in respect of increased services. I have no doubt that the observations he has made will be brought to the notice of the B.B.C.

26. Mr. Harold Walker

asked the Postmaster-General when B.B.C.2 will be available to Yorkshire viewers.

Mr. Joseph Slater

Planning the extension of the coverage of B.B.C.2 is a matter, in the first place, for the Corporation. One of its main U.H.F. stations, which will bring B.B.C.2 to viewers in South Yorkshire, is expected to open at Emley Moor towards the end of October. Another to serve North Yorkshire is expected to open in the Autumn of 1967. Together these two stations will make B.B.C.2 available to a large part of Yorkshire. Further stations are being planned to serve the remaining areas of Yorkshire, but it is too early to say when these additional stations are likely to open.