Television (Welsh Language) (Hansard, 10 May 1976)

§ 13. Mr. Gwynfor Evans
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the progress made in the matter of establishing a national television channel for Wales which will give the Welsh language pride of place.

§ Mr. John Morris
The Government are committed to introducing a fourth television service in Wales in which Welsh language programmes will be given priority. The practical considerations have been set out in the report of the Siberry Working Party, which this Government appointed. In current economic circumstances an immediate start has not been possible, but I have the matter fully under review

§ Mr. Evans
In view of the extensive and undeniable injury which English television is doing to the Welsh language and, therefore, to Welsh culture in Wales, especially among children and young people, and bearing in mind also that last year £8 million was spent on establishing a television channel in Germany for some thousands of British troops—that is, at much the same cost as would be required for establishing a Welsh channel—will the right hon. and learned Gentleman now give an early date for the establishment of a national Welsh channel that will broadcast Welsh language programmes at peak viewing hours?

§ Mr. Morris
The hon. Gentleman knows the whole situation regarding the demand in Wales from both Welsh-speaking Welshmen and non-Welsh-speaking Welshmen. I assure him that our economic situation made it impossible to implement what we recognise as a great demand in Wales. As I said, the matter is under review, and will be kept under review, and I hope that a favourable decision will be made. The hon. Gentleman will know also that there is not even unanimity among Welsh-speaking Welshmen regarding the need for this channel.

§ Mr. Geraint Howells
I am sure that the Secretary of State is aware that many parts of Wales are unable to receive the present Welsh channels. Is he in a position to tell Welsh people in those areas when they will be able to receive the present Welsh channels?

§ Mr. Morris
That is why the Home Secretary made it abundantly clear in his announcement that priority in concentrating on the UHF coverage, which is so badly needed in many parts of Mid-Wales, would be maintained. That is consistent with the Crawford Committee's view of the matter—that this priority should not be lost in the whole examination of what money and resources are 16 available. I know of many parts in both Mid-Wales and North Wales where this must obviously be the paramount consideration.

§ Mr. Wyn Roberts
Bearing in mind current economic difficulties, have the Government looked into the possibility of establishing a channel on a less costly basis than that envisaged in the Siberry Report?

§ Mr. Morris
The hon. Gentleman speaks with some authority in this matter—I say that with sincerity—but he will know that we set up the working party under Mr. Siberry, that evidence was heard from both television organisations, and that the whole situation was examined. I am sure that if it were possible to proceed on a less "gold-plated" basis—if that is what the hon. Gentleman has in mind when he makes his criticism—that must have beeen one of the matters examined by the committee. The committee came to the conclusion that the proper kind of service would be the one that it contemplated. If there were evidence that for a smaller sum a worthwhile and acceptable service could be provided, I should be glad to hear from the hon. Gentleman any representations and expert advice that he could give, but, having had the advice of the working party, I doubt whether it can be done in such a way as to establish a worthwhile service.