HC Deb 09 August 1972 vol 842 c1702
3. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will now make a further statement about arrangements to enable the IBA to extend 625-line transmission to Derbyshire by means of booster stations.

Sir J. Eden

The IBA is hoping to start transmissions from a relay station at Glossop in mid-1973 and then within a few months from Ladder Hill, Buxton and Birch Vale. This will bring Independent Television on UHF to an additional 23,000 households.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

That is indeed good news, but is my right hon. Friend aware that unfortunately not one of my constituents will be covered by this? Nevertheless the BBC, I understand, is pushing ahead with the erection of its low power transmitter on Stanton Moor, and will my right hon. Friend ensure that if the BBC can get this done in 1973 the IBA will be able to join forces and also broadcast on UHF from the same station?

Sir J. Eden

They will be able to share facilities, so I can reassure my hon. Friend on that point. Both the BBC and the IBA are pressing ahead as far as it is possible to do, given the scale of their resources and the availability of skilled labour forces.

Mr. Whitehead

After these facilities come into operation, can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of people in Derbyshire will then be unable to receive 625-line transmissions?

Sir J. Eden

If the hon. Gentleman is referring to the original Question and my answer to it, it will leave another 22,000 households unserved.