§ 26. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will estimate the number of potential listeners who have sets capable of hearing the British Broadcasting Corporation's local radio stations now in existence or planned; and if he will estimate the comparable figure on the basis that such broadcasts were not confined to V.H.F.
§ Mr. ChatawayThe B.B.C. tells me that the estimated population coverage attained by its 20 local radio stations when they are all in operation will be about 30 million. It would be premature to estimate the number who will be able to listen to these stations on very high 661 frequencies, so the second part of the Question is hypothetical.
§ Mr. Frank AllaunFirst, is it not fair to say that the number of listeners would be at least doubled? Second, would it not also be true to say that there would not be interference on the other medium waves because these stations would be lower powered?
§ Mr. ChatawayIt is undoubtedly true that more people would be able to listen if it were on medium wave as well as V.H.F. There may be more interference on the medium frequency than on V.H.F.
§ 27. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will now consider extending shortwave transmission of the British Broadcasting Corporation local radio stations to medium wavelengths; and what is his estimate of the extra capital and annual costs.
§ Mr. ChatawayNo, Sir. I am still considering how best to use the scarce frequencies available to provide for competition in sound broadcasting. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. Frank AllaunWould not the increase in costs be absolutely negligible? May we hope that the Minister is not holding back on medium waves for the benefit of the commercial stations, should they be set up?
§ Mr. ChatawayNaturally, I share the hon. Gentleman's anxiety about ensuring that there is fair competition between the B.B.C. and commercial radio. As the B.B.C. has four national channels, I do not think he need worry about that. It would obviously be quite wrong to come to a decision on this while I am looking at the frequency position generally.
§ 28. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications when he expects to publish his White Paper on local sound radio; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChatawayEarly in the New Year.
§ Mr. Stratton MillsIs my right hon. Friend aware that this White Paper is eagerly anticipated? How wide is the 662 consultation which is going on? Does he intend, subject to this White Paper, to introduce legislation in the present Session?
§ Mr. ChatawayI have consulted a large number of individuals and bodies in favour of and opposed to commercial radio, and have a variety of different viewpoints. I will introduce legislation as soon as possible but this might not be until the next Session.
§ Mr. BennCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House why it is to be a White Paper and not a Green Paper? Since there is a great deal of interest in this, would it not be wiser if the Government indicated the lines of their thought and allowed the public and those interested to submit their ideas after the publication of a Green Paper?
§ Mr. ChatawayI hope that we shall have enough confidence in the proposals we put forward for the Paper to be a White Paper rather than a Green Paper. Even though it will be a White Paper, we would be prepared to look at any views advanced.