HC Deb 16 July 1973 vol 860 cc11-3
9. Mr. David Steel

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will invite evidence from interested parties on the subject of broadcasting coverage, and submit it for study to the Crawford Committee.

Sir J. Eden

No. It is for Sir Stewart Crawford to invite people to submit evidence to the committee, and he has already done so.

Mr. Steel

I do not think that Sir Stewart has done so with any great publicity. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that people living in some areas of the country are still not receiving clear reception on all three channels, and that they are irate about the matter? Such people welcome the setting up of the committee, and would like to know where to send their evidence. That aspect should be given wider publicity.

Sir J. Eden

Sir Stewart did give considerable publicity to that matter at the time. The address, if I can help the hon. Gentleman, is "The Committee on Broadcasting Coverage, 85 Whitehall". I know that Sir Stewart will welcome any submission.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Does my right hon. Friend realise that some people in my constituency and other parts of Derbyshire, including the northern part, and the High Peak area, have been waiting an intolerable time for proper coverage? We may set up 100 committees, but they will not do any good unless facilities and money are made available for the BBC to extend its coverage. I wish my right hon. Friend would do something to hurry it up.

Sir J. Eden

It is because I realised the force of the representations that my hon. Friend has consistently made to me on behalf of his constituents that I established a Committee on Broadcasting Coverage to consider the matter throughout the country.

Mr. John Grant

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the findings of the committee will be published and taken into account by the Government before any decision is taken on the fourth channel, bearing in mind the possible implications for the use of that channel?

Sir J. Eden

I have already indicated that I will be bringing proposals or conclusions before the House and inviting the House to authorise the extension of the franchise to the IBA and the BBC. The Crawford Committee's report will, of course, be published.

15. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications when he expects to receive the report of the Committee on Broadcasting Coverage.

Sir J. Eden

I expect to receive the report early next year.

Mr. Wall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is growing resentment that Humberside is to be deprived of 50 per cent. of its television programmes next year? The matter is now in the hands of the committee. Will my right hon. Friend use his influence with the Chairman of the IBA to see that no action is taken about the Belmont transmitter until the committee has reported?

Sir J. Eden

I referred to this point in the debate on 19th April, reported at column 692 of HANSARD. I am sure that the IBA and broadcasting generally will be sensitive to parliamentary opinion, as has been expressed in this instance.

Mr. James Johnson

Is the Minister aware that people on both sides of the Humber are puzzled at the reason why their desire to have both Yorkshire and Anglia still within their vision, so to speak, cannot be satisfied? The sooner we get a statement on it the more people will be happy on Humberside.

Sir J. Eden

Meanwhile the hon. Gentleman may wish to make representations, or encourage others to make submissions about the matter, to the committee.