§ 40. Mr. Tinnasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what proposals he has for the improvement of reception of B.B.C. 2 television programmes in the Guisborough area of Cleveland.
§ Mr. PentlandIt is for the B.B.C. to make proposals to me. I understand that it intends to commission a relay station to serve the Guisborough area taking its signal from the Bilsdale transmitter.
§ Mr. TinnWhile recognising that the delay in this matter is not the responsibility of my hon. Friend or of the B.B.C., may I ask my hon. Friend to accept the fact that this is an expanding and populous area within a few miles of industrial Tees-side; and to do all that he can to ensure the provision of these services?
§ Mr. PentlandYes, Sir. As the House is aware, the B.B.C. had planned to serve the Guisborough area by means which would have made the most efficient use of technical and financial resources, but had to abandon its plan because the county planning authority refused permission for a station at the only suitable site. That refusal ultimately meant finding an alternative site and a difference frequency, and delay has resulted.