§ 21. Mr. Maclennanasked the Postmaster-General what steps he will take to improve and extend the reception of television in the Highland area; and if he has now approved the timetable for the introduction there of BBC2.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterThe improvement and extension of their services is primarily the responsibility of the broadcasting authorities. The B.B.C. has no plan to build more V.H.F. 405-line stations. The I.T.A. is building one more V.H.F. station at Aviemore.
The first transmitter for B.B.C.2 should open in 1970. Approval has been given for 44 U.H.F. stations in a construction programme up to 1974.
§ Mr. MaclennanI thank my hon. Friend for that reply, but does he accept that there is indignation in the Highland area because licences are being increased whereas the service is not being improved? Will he acknowledge that there are few areas of the country where the provision of adequate television service is more needed, and where it would be more welcomed?
§ Mr. SlaterI have much sympathy with the observations of the hon. Gentleman, but the existing services on the very high frequencies have been extended as far as is technically and economically possible in mountainous areas such as the Highlands. I wish that more could be done.