§ 7. Mr. Armstrongasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what plans he is considering for expanding BBC regional television in Newcastle-upon-Tyne; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir J. EdenThis is a matter for the BBC and not for me.
§ Mr. ArmstrongWill the Minister tell the policy-makers at the BBC that Manchester is not in the Northern Region? Is he aware that the only old building in Newcastle that seems to be escaping demolition is the one that houses the BBC studios, and that there is an urgent need for purpose-built studios in Newcastle? It is intolerable that in 1973 I have to ask when Mike Neville and his colleagues will be available in colour to northern viewers.
§ Sir J. EdenI can only advise the hon. Gentleman to approach the BBC direct on the matter, which is wholly within its responsibility.
§ Mr. EnglishWe do not want the Minister to engage in politics with the BBC, but he must have some idea how it should socially cover the country. Does he recognise that the BBC promised that it would split the Midland Region, and has not yet done so?
§ Sir J. EdenThe question of coverage is a matter that can be brought under consideration by the special study under Sir Stewart Crawford, which I announced the other day.