HC Deb 13 July 1966 vol 731 cc1434-5
15. Sir G. Wills

asked the Postmaster-General if he will arrange for a refund of part of the television licence fee paid by viewers in areas which have serious interference with the reception of the British Broadcasting Corporation's programmes; and if he will make renewed efforts to find a remedy for this and so ensure that all viewers get equal value for their licence fee.

Mr. Joseph Slater

I take it that the hon. Gentleman has in mind interference occurring at times in the summer and caused by foreign stations. This is due to a natural phenomenon to which there is no complete answer. However, the relay stations being built by the Corporation should reduce its effect. 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.

Sir G. Wills

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many people who get very bad reception feel that it is inequitable that they should be called upon to pay the full licence fee when in many cases they cannot properly receive the programme that they require? Would he hasten the time when the B.B.C. is able to put up the number of stations necessary to make reception absolutely right?

Mr. Slater

Many hon. Members will have experienced the same interference from foreign stations as the hon. Gentleman and some of his constituents. But there is no absolute view on this. It is much easier, and therefore much cheaper, to provide first-class reception in some places than in others. Viewers in the former are, in effect, subsidising viewers in the latter.