Reception

HC Deb 16 March 1965 vol 708 cc1054-6

4. Mr. Kitson

asked the Postmaster-General if he will ensure that, before further money is allocated for the development of British Broadcasting Corporation television channels, a reasonable standard of reception will be provided to existing licence holders.

Mr. Benn

On an overall appraisal, an acceptable standard of reception is already generally available to the 99 per cent. of the population within the coverage of B.B.C. 1.

Mr. Kitson

Is the Postmaster-General aware that the only time when we can see television in parts of Swaledale and Wensleydale is when it is foggy? Can he explain why this is? Further, as the B.B.C. has surveyed the area and agreed that it is necessary to put a booster station there, will he urge the Corporation to get on with the work?

Mr. Benn

The B.B.C., at my suggestion, is considering another stage in its process of extension of coverage, and it is aware of the problems in the hon. Gentleman's constituency. But increased Continental interference and the effect of hills, apart from fog, for which I am not responsible, has made reception difficult.

5. Mr. Kitson

asked the Postmaster-General if he will introduce legislation to enable him, in those areas where television and radio reception is below a reasonable standard, to reduce the price of television and radio licences.

65. Mr. Buchanan

asked the Postmaster-General if, after consulting the television and radio authorities, he will ensure that licence holders are guaranteed a satisfactory standard of reception, and that, where such reception is not possible, a suitable deduction is made in the licence fee.

Mr. Benn

No, Sir. It would be impracticable to vary licence fees according to reception conditions which may vary not only from place to place, but also from time to time.

Mr. Kitson

Will the right hon. Gentleman urge the B.B.C. not to spend a lot of money on B.B.C. 2 until we have the necessary booster stations? In the sparsely populated areas, where there is no other type of entertainment, it is essential to have reasonable television reception.

Mr. Benn

B.B.C. coverage of over 99 per cent. of the population is, at this stage, as much as is practicable. Beyond this, even the latest stages of development involve£10 per viewer for transmitter costs alone as compared with Is. per viewer for the more populous areas. It would not be altogether fair to hold up the development of B.B.C. 2, which right hon. Gentlemen opposite announced, until these very difficult and, in some cases, almost intractable problems in the isolated areas can be dealt with.

Mr. Buchanan

My right hon. Friend will be aware that the building of multistorey flats has aggravated the problem of poor reception. In my constituency, for instance, tenants in Carron Street Heights, a block of multi-storey flats constructed by the Scottish Special Housing Association, far from having any relief have to pay an extra£3 18s. a year for sharing a communal aerial in order to ensure fair reception. Does not my right hon. Friend agree that this is unfair, and will he look into the question?

Mr. Benn

If my hon. Friend has a particular point of that kind, perhaps he will write to me about it.

Mr. Kitson

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

23. Mr. Russell Johnston

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a statement on the degree of priority which the Post Office intends to give to the improvement or introduction of television and radio services to those areas which at present either have very poor reception or none.

Mr. Benn

The extension of the coverage attained by, and the improvement of the reception of, the broadcasting services is a matter for the broadcasting authorities in the first place. On 22nd December I announced that I had approved Stage 4 of the B.B.C.'s plan to this end, and that the Corporation was now—at my suggestion—considering a further stage.

Mr. Johnston

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the B.B.C. is actively considering Stage 5? Can he give an assurance that he will co-operate with it in coming to a decision about this as quickly as possible?

Mr. Benn

Certainly. As I mentioned in answer to an earlier Question, the cost of transmitters alone is£10 per viewer on Stage 4 and this will rise progressively with later stages. But it is a matter of concern.