HC Deb 13 July 1966 vol 731 cc1429-30
1. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Postmaster-General what action he proposes to take on the request from the Cleethorpes Borough Council, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Louth, for improved reception from B.B.C.1; in view of the fact that the people of North Lincolnshire are concerned at the delays in improving this service, if he will take action; and if he will make a statement.

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. Joseph Slater)

As I told the hon. Gentleman on 15th June, the construction timetable for the B.B.C.'s stations is the Corporation's responsibility. I understand that the B.B.C. has told the Cleethorpes Borough Council that it now hopes to bring this station into operation in September.

Sir C. Osborne

The equipment has been on the site since April; it has been lying there and nothing has been done about it. My constituents feel that they are being defrauded by the B.B.C. They could not get a good picture of Wimbledon, and now they cannot get a good picture of the football games. Will not the Minister do something with the B.B.C. on their behalf?

Mr. Slater

I appreciate the hon. Member's feelings on behalf of his constituents in this matter, but my information is that it was originally intended that the B.B.C. and the I.T.A. services from the joint Belmont station should open at about the same time but that there has been delay in the manufacture and testing of the B.B.C.1 aerial. Until this can be put right, I cannot say anything further.