§ 26. Mr. William Edwardsasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will ensure that all radio and television licence holders in Wales are able to receive all Welsh channels before entering on any new services.
§ Mr. ChatawayNo, Sir. It would not be fair to licence holders in other parts of the United Kingdom to give Wales that kind of overriding priority.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the Minister aware that there is in Wales no concern about 941 bias in news reporting because only half the people in Wales are able to receive radio and television programmes satisfactorily? How can he embark on new schemes for the Independent Television Authority and local radio until all the people in Wales are able to receive one satisfactory service?
§ Mr. ChatawayThe hon. Gentleman is sadly astray in his figures. Ninety-seven per cent. of the population of Wales are able to receive television and somewhat more than that receive sound radio programmes.
§ Mr. HoosonCan the right hon. Gentleman explain the equity of the matter? Why should people in mid-Wales who can receive only one programme, and that indifferently, pay the same licence fee as people who can receive three or four programmes? It is inequitable. What does the Minister intend to do about it?
§ Mr. ChatawayOne factor that the hon. and learned Gentleman should take into account is that the cost of getting that one television service to people in Wales may be many times the cost of getting all the services to people in the conurbations.