HC Deb 06 July 1966 vol 731 c420
42. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Postmaster-General when the B.B.C.2 programme network promised to the Newcastle-on-Tyne area for September, 1965, is to be implemented.

Mr. Edward Short

The construction time-table for B.B.C. stations is, of course, primarily a matter for the Corporation itself. But I am pleased to tell the hon. Lady that I understand that it now hopes to start test transmissions from the Pontop Pike B.B.C.2 transmitter, which will serve Newcastle-on-Tyne, in September and normal transmissions in October.

Dame Irene Ward

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that information. Is not he now very glad that he is no longer the Chief Whip but the Postmaster-General?

Mr. Bryan

May I take this opportunity to congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on behalf of my hon. and right hon. Friends on his appointment, and to say that we look forward to debating with him and hearing his views on the many problems that his predecessor left unresolved? On the Question, can the right hon. Gentleman state what proportion of listeners in areas covered by B.B.C.2—or alleged to be covered by B.B.C.2—are having difficulty in getting a signal, or are getting no signal at all?

Mr. Short

I thank the hon. Member for the first part of his supplementary question—if it was a question—and would like to say that I, in turn, look forward to debating with him. He will certainly hear my views on many matters in the very near future. As for the second point, he will have to put down a Question.