HL Deb 22 December 1954 vol 190 cc645-6

11.5 a.m.

LORD OGMORE

My Lords, I beg to ask the first Question which sands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether authority has yet been given for the extension of the B.B.C.'s V.H.F. plan to include Wenvoe.]

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (EARL DE LA WARR)

My Lords, I have now had the views of the Television Advisory Committee on the B.B.C.'s long-term plans for V.H.F. development. They recommend the adoption of the plan, and I have agreed with the B.B.C. that Wenvoe should be added to the first batch of stations about which I told the House on July 21. This first stage will involve a large amount of work between now and the end of 1956, and the timetable for future developments will be settled later.

LORD OGMORE

My Lords, I am sure the Welsh people will be very grateful to the noble Earl and to the B.B.C. for this news. May I ask the noble Earl whether the whole of Wales will benefit from the development of V.H.F. broadcasting and, if not, what part will benefit?

EARL DE LA WARR

My Lords, naturally I hope that the whole of Wales will eventually benefit, but under this scheme it is expected that the people in West and South Wales will be able to receive these broadcasts by the end of 1956, and of course the needs of North Wales will be borne in mind in the next stage of development of V.H.F.

LORD CALVERLEY

Could the noble Earl give me any information when this boon will be extended to Lancashire—and, of course, Yorkshire?

LORD REA

And to Cumberland and Westmorland?

EARL DE LA WARR

I have now approved ten V.H.F. stations. There is a long list, and I regret that I cannot say exactly what arrangements apply, but I believe noble Lords will find that all their areas will be speedily dealt with.

LORD CALVERLEY

My Lords, should I put down a Question to the noble Earl so that I can have a reply?

EARL DE LA WARR

Certainly, if the noble Lord wishes.

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