HC Deb 27 October 1965 vol 718 cc140-1
14. Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

asked the Postmaster-General if he will take steps to stimulate the purchase of television sets capable of receiving 625-line programmes, in view of the decision to adopt this standard, the probable eventual demand for colour television and the need to assist exports.

Mr. Benn

I am still awaiting the report of my Television Advisory committee on the choice of a colour system for this country. The probable eventual demand for colour television would not be satisfied by stimulating the sale of monochrome receivers.

Mr. Lloyd

Is it not important that a standard for colour television should be announced quickly? Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he thinks that he will be in a position to make an announcement?

Mr. Benn

I absolutely agree, but the Television Advisory Committee which has advised successive Postmasters-General on this matter is not itself agreed. As the right hon. Gentleman will know, this raises problems of extreme complexity particularly with the double-line standards which we have in this country.

Sir Ian Orr-Ewing

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider whether colour should be allowed to be transmitted on Bands I and III by the B.B.C. and I.T.A. when he makes a decision, or whether it will be limited to Bands IV and V?

Mr. Benn

The problem to which the hon. Gentleman refers is one of the problems to which the Television Advisory Committee obviously has to give consideration and that undoubtedly is one of the reasons for the delay.