HC Deb 26 November 1973 vol 865 cc15-6
19. Mr. Beith

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecomunications whether he is satisfied with the present state of radio reception in North Northumberland, particularly in respect to local news and weather information.

Sir J. Eden

Because I recognise that problems exist in this and other similar areas, I have asked the Committee on Broadcasting Coverage, chaired by Sir Stewart Crawford, to look into them.

Mr. Beith

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that, while we await the report of the Crawford Committee, an area in which communications are badly affected by snow in winter must face a complete lack of any local news or weather information as a direct result of reallocation of frequencies? Will he make a statement on this point?

Sir J. Eden

The information to which the hon. Gentleman refers is still being transmitted on VHF