North-East

HC Deb 23 January 1969 vol 776 cc651-2

41. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Postmaster-General what proposals he has to expand the availability of British Broadcasting Corporation television services in the North-East for black and white and colour television.

45. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Postmaster-General what arrangements are being made to extend the transmission facilities at Newcastle-upon-Tyne for television broadcasting from the North-East of England.

50. Mr. Woof

asked the Postmaster-General what representations have been made to him on the future availability of British Broadcasting Corporation television services in the North-East; and what reply he has given.

Mr. Stonehouse

The extent to which studios at Newcastle-upon-Tyne should provide local production of television programmes is a matter for the B.B.C. No representations, other than these Questions, have been made to me.

Mr. Leadbitter

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, although it is accepted that this is a matter for the B.B.C, he has a considerable responsibility and influence here, since the Newcastle local authority is about to make a compulsory purchase order involving the taking over of the property in which the studios are now operating? Is this not a remarkably useful opportunity for the B.B.C. to think in terms of expanding its service there in a new building, with new equipment, and certainly decentralising the research work on colour television?

Mr. Stonehouse

I am sure that the B.B.C. will take note of those points.

Mr. Blenkinsop

As a matter of policy, will my right hon. Friend not agree that there is a great demand for increased facilities from this station, in view of the large area which it covers and the importance of the programmes?

Mr. Stonehouse

Yes, Sir, I am sure that the B.B.C. is aware of its responsibilities in the North-East and that it will take note of the points being raised.

Sir D. Glover

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this complaint applies not only to the North-East but to the North-West, and that there is great feeling that the B.B.C. do not devote enough time to regional programmes?

Mr. Stonehouse

I take note of that point.