HC Deb 13 June 1968 vol 766 cc416-7
5. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Postmaster-General (1) what estimate he has made of the amount of the combined radio and television licence fee required to give ubiquitous cover for radio and for television in colour in the United Kingdom, both for BBC1 and BBC2; and by what date this will be achieved;

(2) when total television coverage in the United Kingdom will be available, respectively, for BBC1 and BBC2, with and without colour; and what effect these developments will have on prospective increases in licence fees.

Mr. Mason

The coverages of the national sound radio services and BBC1 on 405 lines in VHF, have already virtually reached their present practical limit. BBC2 and the 625 line duplicate BBC1 in UHF (both with colour) are expected to reach 90 per cent, coverage by 1973, virtually full coverage will be reached around 1980. The estimated cost of the additional transmitters is about £60 million at present day prices, but the licence fees depend as well on other factors, such as the cost of colour programmes and the number of colour licences and I hesitate to forecast the position so far ahead.

Sir G. Nabarro

In view of the fact that the Postmaster-General has given us for the first time precise figures of the planned progress of universal coverage for television, and in colour, cannot he work out precisely what the television licence needs will be during the commensurate period; that is to say, over the 12 years between 1968 and 1980? That should not be unduly difficult.

Mr. Mason

No, but I do not think that it is necessary at the moment to undertake it. We have already a three-tier licence system, with £10 for colour, monochrome and sound, £5 for monochrome and sound, and 25s. for sound on its own. I would have thought that that was all right.

Mr. Bryan

How long will the right hon. Gentleman maintain this system of a dual licence scheme with £10 for colour and £5 for black and white?

Mr. Mason

It is too early to take all the factors into consideration. In the main, colour will not be available generally until the beginning of 1970, so we have time to consider the question in depth.

Captain Orr

Will the Postmaster-General publish a list or map showing the areas which will come within the 1973 and the 1980 dates, respectively, and would he be sure to include on that map the South Down area of Northern Ireland?

Mr. Mason

I am obliged to the hon. and gallant Gentleman for that suggestion. Certainly I will consider it.

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