HC Deb 18 July 1968 vol 768 cc1655-6
27. Mr. Brewis

asked the Postmaster-General what plans have been formulated to allow the extension of B.B.C. 2 colour television service to Galloway.

Mr. Joseph Slater

B.B.C. 2 colour television service will become available in parts of Galloway when the Caldbeck station opens in about three years' time. Later, coverage will be extended in the area from stations to be built in Kirkcudbrightshire and Wigtownshire.

Mr. Brewis

That Answer will be received with great disappointment. Should it not be the principle of the Post Office to see that people receive B.B.C. 1 first? Has the hon. Gentleman looked into my suggestion that a relay station could be sited in the Isle of Man to bring B.B.C. 1 back to Galloway?

Mr. Slater

We cannot give every place priority. The principle which the B.B.C. has been following all along the line not only in regard to B.B.C. 1 but in regard to B.B.C. 2 as well is to give coverage to as many people as possible and as soon as possible. That is the course of the operation to which the B.B.C. is trying to keep.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Has my hon. Friend any idea what a television set to receive colour television broadcasts would cost in Galloway, and how many farm workers would be able to afford it?

Mr. Bryan

These are unsatisfactory replies. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, even if colour television was extended to Galloway, very few people would take it, judging by present experience in this country, due to the small number of hours of colour television broadcasting? Does he intend to increase the number of hours?

Mr. Slater

The hon. Gentleman will have to await the statement which my right hon. Friend will make on this matter. The development of the u.h.f. network is a vast engineering undertaking, and to bring it into operation 64 high-powered transmitting stations must be built, with, in addition, hundreds of relay stations. The whole project is bound to take time to complete.