§ 20. Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications 604 if he will make further funds available to the British Broadcasting Corporation for the installation of booster stations in Derbyshire so that the public can receive 625-line transmissions, which they are at present denied.
§ Sir J. EdenI am sorry that there is nothing I can add to the replies I gave my hon. Friend on 19th April and 10th May.—[Vol. 835, c. 488; Vol. 836, c. 361.]
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsI do not apologise to my right hon. Friend for returning to the subject because many people in my constituency are becoming extremely angry that they cannot receive this type of broadcast. Existing broadcasts on 405 lines are appalling. Will my right hon. Friend do his best to push the BBC forward, if necessary with technical help, personnel or equipment, so that the corporation can complete the booster stations not only for Derbyshire but for all rural areas as quickly as possible, and at any rate sooner than the end of 1973?
§ Sir J. EdenI understand why my hon. Friend presses the point and I accept that the situation causes disquiet to him and to many of his constituents. Nine per cent, of the total population of this country are unable to receive BBC2, but to improve services to those who are in The Peak park area, for example, would require a further 11 stations. I have put to the BBC a proposal for improvement on its programme for UHF coverage and it is considering it.