§ 29. Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will request Sir Robert Cockburn's Committee on the future of television to consider specifically the needs of Wales in view of the fact that two languages are spoken there.
§ Sir J. EdenNo, Sir. The Television Advisory Committee is concerned with the technical questions only and would not be expected to deal with the wider considerations which such a study would prompt.
§ Mr. MorganBut is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that for over 40 years broadcasting in Wales has been given special consideration, turning upon the distinctive position of Wales as a country and as a nation? Will he give an undertaking that when the new charters are considered in 1976, or earlier, and especially in the context of the allocation of a fourth television channel, the particular needs of Wales will be given fair and proper priority?
§ Sir J. EdenI assure the hon. Gentleman that the particular needs of Wales or of any other part of the United Kingdom will not be overlooked.
§ Mr. Tom KingHas the committee considered a measure of protection from broadcasts from Wales for other parts of the country which have no wish to receive them? Many people in my constituency and neighbouring areas in the West Country would much like to have broadcasts in their own language.
§ Sir J. EdenI have an idea that the strength of signal from BBC Wales has something to do with international agreements, but I shall look closely into the point raised by my hon. Friend.