§ Mrs. Ewingasked the Postmaster-General whether, to combat the widespread dissatisfaction in Scotland over the reception of Radio Two, he will agree to a switch in frequencies in Scotland between Radio One and Radio Two, so as to enable listeners with medium wave sets to have good reception of Radio Two which is presently unavailable in many parts of Scotland.
§ Mr. Edward Short:No. The transmissions of Radio 2 on 1500 metres attain greater coverage overall than those of Radio 1 on 247 metres. Moreover, the new programme pattern has resulted in a marked increase in the amount of listening, and so borne out the expectation that it would provide a wider range of choice for listeners in general. Radio 2 is, of course, available virtually everywhere on V.H.F.
§ Mrs. Ewingasked the Postmaster-General what plans there are to increase the power of the Droitwich transmitter so as to ensure good reception of Radio Two in Scotland.
§ Mr. Edward Short:None. The B.B.C.'s Droitwich 1500 metres transmitter already radiates at 400 kW, its maximum authorised power under international agreement. It has always done so during the hours of darkness. During daylight hours the transmitter previously operated at 200 kW. The daytime power was doubled when the new programme pattern took effect.