HC Deb 23 November 1967 vol 754 cc1474-5
4. Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Postmaster-General in which areas of the United Kingdom listeners wishing to receive all recognised broadcasting services are obliged to purchase very high frequency sets.

Mr. Edward Short

Of the four recognised services broadcast on medium and long wave, Radio 3 has the lowest population coverage. V.H.F. sets are generally needed to receive Radio 3 in the following areas with the exception of areas of high population which are catered for by low-powered medium wave transmitters: ENGLAND North of a line from Blackpool, through Rochdale and Ripon, to Bridlington; South-west of a line from Minehead to Swanage; the south-east coast from Deal to Seaford. WALES West of a line from Rhyl to Barry. The whole Of SCOTLAND. The whole of NORTHERN IRELAND.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the disappearance of the old Light programme wavelength means that many of my constituents in the Londonderry area believe that they cannot get reception except with V.H.F. sets? This also applies to the Third Programme. Will he see what can be done?

Mr. Short

I agree that in western Ulster the programme can only be received on V.H.F., but I remind the hon. Gentleman that the V.H.F. policy was started by the last Government. However, I quite agree with that policy. I believe that it is right and the only way to proceed. But we are looking at the problems of Ulster.

Mr. Bryan

In view of the importance of the figures in relation to the local radio experiment, has the right hon. Gentleman made a survey of approximately how many people possess V.H.F. sets? In Leicester, for example, where an experiment has started, has there been a great buying of sets?

Mr. Short

Manufacturers have made cheap sets available in shops where local radio stations are starting and already there are a large number of V.H.F. sets in use. They are as cheap as any other transistor sets now.