HC Deb 26 October 1966 vol 734 cc1009-10
13. Sir T. Beamish

asked the Postmaster-General whether the British Broadcasting Corporation has now found a suitable site for a low-power relay station to improve the reception of B.B.C.1 in the Seaford, Newhaven, and Peacehaven areas; how long he estimates it will be before the site has been acquired; and when the station is likely to be operating.

Mr. Joseph Slater

I understand from the B.B.C. that a suitable site has been found and that negotiations for its acquisition are proceeding. The B.B.C. hopes to gain access to the site within six months and to complete the station in 1968.

Sir T. Beamish

While that is at least fairly good news, does not the hon. Gentleman agree that it amounts to a breach of contract to demand a fat licence fee in an area where the reception of B.B.C.2 is like looking at a Channel fog? Will the hon. Gentleman get the B.B.C. to provide a new relay station or waive the fee until that happens?

Mr. Slater

I thought that the hon. and gallant Gentleman would have been delighted with my reply. Such conditions, I remind him, do not merely operate in his constituency or even in his particular area.