HC Deb 19 January 1972 vol 829 cc444-6
17. Mr. Hooson

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what estimate has been made of the cost of subsidising piped television services to towns in Mid-Wales which have poor reception under the present relay system.

Mr. Chataway

I understand that in 1969 the capital cost of a wired distribution system was estimated at £25 to £75 per household, depending on the location. This would be more expensive than the present conventional broadcasting.

Mr. Hooson

As the Minister has refused to provide additional relay facilities in the area and as many people are unable to receive any channel properly and most can receive only one waveband, is it not time that something was done and might not this proposal be the most economical way of doing it?

Mr. Chataway

No, Sir. My information is that it would be even more expensive than the conventional method. The hon. and learned Gentleman knows that to provide broadcasting facilities in that area might involve a capital cost of up to £20 per household, compared with a cost of a few pence for the rest of the country.

20. Mr. Hooson

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what representations have been made to him regarding television reception in the Mid-Wales area.

Mr. Chataway

The hon. and learned Member has sent me two letters and put down three previous Questions. One other hon. Member has written to me and put down a Question and one member of the public wrote to me.

Mr. Hooson

Is the Minister aware that a delegation from local authorities in Mid-Wales recently met Members of all political parties in the House? Is he further aware that television reception is exceptionally bad in that area? Does he intend that the people of Mid-Wales should continue to suffer bad television reception when they pay the same licence fee as people in other parts of the country?

Mr. Chataway

I am anxious to extend the coverage of television just as far and as fast as is possible. I have already explained to the hon. and learned Gentleman the difficulties in that particular area. I do not believe there would be any attraction in a differential licence fee. It would not be a system which in the long run would help those in the least populated areas.