§ 23. Mr. Wyn Robertsasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will allocate a very high frequency channel to broadcast programmes in the Welsh language in addition to the local commercial radio channel.
§ Sir J. EdenBBC Radio Wales with considerable Welsh language content is 606 already transmitted on VHF and the IBA's stations in Wales will broadcast on both VHF and MF. It will be for the authority to decide whether and how much Welsh language content there should be in Welsh local station programmes.
§ Mr. RobertsIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is a strong demand in Wales for an all-Welsh television service? Would not the concession of an all-Welsh radio service be a useful experimental prelude to an all-Welsh television service? Does my right hon. Friend realise that it will be a very welcome concession to the minority who are concerned about the survival of the Welsh language?
§ Sir J. EdenHaving had the privilege of attending a debate in the Welsh Grand Committee on this subject I am aware that even in Wales it is a highly controversial matter.