HC Deb 25 June 1958 vol 590 cc26-7W
60. Mr. N. McLean

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the lack of British Broadcasting Corporation's television services in the West Highlands and Islands, and of the existing poor sound radio reception there; and what steps he is taking to provide television services and improve sound radio services.

Mr. K. Thompson

I am aware of the circumstances to which my hon. Friend refers and the British Broadcasting Corporation has them very much in mind. Because, however, of limitations on its capital expenditure, and its existing commitments, it does not expect to be able to provide any stations in the West Highlands and Islands before at least 1960.

61. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Postmaster-General why radio listeners in the Western Isles are being refused better quality service by the British Broadcasting Corporation while being charged full licence fees; and when it is intended to introduce sound quality improvement and very high frequency service to this area.

Mr. K. Thompson

The licence fee covers the use of a receiving set, and cannot be adjusted to the amount of use or quality of reception. The B.B.C. plans for improvement of the existing services involve the building of new V.H.F. stations. Because of its existing commitments and limitations on its capital expenditure, the B.B.C. does not expect to be able to provide such stations before at least 1960.

62. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Postmaster-General which Highland and Island local authorities have written to him recently asking for the early introduction of television service to the Western Isles and North West Highland areas; and whether he will now consider speeding up the programme in view of the lack of other adequate British Broadcasting Corporation services and local public entertainment and the importance of facilities for leisure to the Government's declared policy of retaining the younger population in the region.

Mr. K. Thompson

Since the beginning of this year, representations have been received from the Burgh of Stornoway, Tiree and Coll District Council and the Sutherland County Council.

The British Broadcasting Corporation regrets that because of limitations on its capital expenditure and its existing commitments, it does not expect to be able to start any extension of its television service to this area before at least 1960. Resources available for the extension of the television service are not unlimited and I am sorry to say that there is no prospect of earlier provision.

63. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Postmaster-General the estimated cost of introducing very high frequency and television service to the Western Isles; and from what items of necessary expenditure this total figure is made up.

Mr. K. Thompson

Two stations in Lewis and Skye, with a Post Office link to bring the programme from the mainland, would probably be required and would involve a capital cost of the order of £500,000: and these would, by no means, give complete coverage to the Western Isles.