HC Deb 13 June 1968 vol 766 cc417-8
7. Mr. Onslow

asked the Postmaster-General (1) how many sites for radio masts forming part of microwave communications systems have been established in areas of outstanding natural beauty; and how many applications for similar sites are now under consideration by his Department;

(2) whether, in view of his insistence that the heights of radio masts in microwave communications systems should be determined on the assumption that the radio radius of the earth is 0.7 times its true radius, he will take steps to establish a single network of such masts to serve the foreseeable need of all users, so as to reduce the total number of masts required.

Mr. Mason

Of the 96 Post Office microwave radio-relay stations in the United Kingdom 4 are in national parks and 5 in areas of outstanding natural beauty. Only one site of those at present under consideration is in an area of outstanding natural beauty. There are 174 stations in the private users microwave networks and 16 of these are in designated areas of natural beauty.

It is unlikely in many cases that other users would require the same routes and terminal points as the Post Office trunk routes, so a simple all-purpose network is impracticable. However, all users, including the Post Office, always consider the mutual sharing of masts, and many individual masts are shared in this way.

Mr. Onslow

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that he ought not to encourage the proliferation of these masts or make them any taller than necessary? Can he say on what research, and where it was published, his calculation of the necessary height is based, and will he bear in mind that, if there has to be a 7 per cent, increase in the height of a mast, it adds 21 per cent, to its cost, which may be as much as £70,000?

Mr. Mason

I am aware of the hon. Gentleman's concern in this matter, and I know that he has a problem about it in his constituency. However, in all fairness, I should say that the 7 per cent, increase in height to which he refers also means that there are fewer of these taller masts in the country.

Mr. Peter M. Jackson

Will my right hon. Friend undertake consultations with the Countryside and National Parks Commissions when considering the further siting of these masts?

Mr. Mason

Yes, Sir. I am certain that my hon. Friend is aware that every time any area of outstanding natural beauty is to receive a mast the Council for the Preservation of Rural England and the various other interested bodies are consulted.