§ 6 and 7. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Postmaster-General (1) what requests he has now had for further transmission facilities for regional television and radio broadcasting by the British Broadcasting Corporaton;
(2)what request he has now had for assistance in improving the reception of British Broadcasting Corporation Radio 3.
§ 10. Mr. Bostonasked the Postmaster-General what proposals he has now received from the British Broadcasting Corporation for changes in transmission arrangements arising from its review of radio services, and in particular British Broadcasting Corporation Radio 3.
§ Mr. StonehouseNone, Sir.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithDoes the Postmaster-General agree that on both television and radio the B.B.C. regional stations set a very high standard and fulfil a public need? Will he impress 636 on those responsible that that high standard must be maintained with Radio 3 as well, and that the public would very much regret it if any decision were taken otherwise?
§ Mr. StonehouseI will ensure that the attention of the B.B.C. is drawn to those remarks.
§ Mr. BostonWill my right hon. Friend agree that the statement made by the new Director-General of the B.B.C. is somewhat reassuring, but that there is real concern about the future of Radio 3? Will he agree that there is need to ensure that any changes which take place as the result of the review will not lead to a reduction in either quality or quantity, particularly of the music in the programme? Many people have bought very high frequency sets for the very purpose of enjoying this programme, and they need to be protected.
§ Mr. StonehouseI accept that these are all important points, and I am sure that the B.B.C. will have them all in mind. I will keep in touch with the position.
§ Mr. TilneyWill the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that the cost of regional stations should not fall on the local rates?
§ Mr. StonehouseThat must be considered in the light of the review of the experiment which, as the House knows, will be conducted during July.