§ 92. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Postmaster-General what action he will take to ensure that Scotland benefits from technological advances in regard to radio and television transmission as soon as other parts of Great Britain.
§ Mr. Edward ShortI take it that the hon. Member has particularly in mind the decision, which I announced in February this year, to change from 405 to 625 lines508W the definition standard on which B.B.C.1 and independent television are broadcast. The intention is that the 625-line transmissions (with their colour content) of these services should start in early 1970. Both the B.B.C. and I.T.A. are anxious that these transmissions will reach as much as possible of the United Kingdom, including Scotland, as soon as possible thereafter.
B.B.C.2 is already broadcast on 625 lines; and its programmes in colour should be transmitted in Scotland from Black Hill, covering central Scotland, when the colour service proper opens on 2nd December.—[Vol. 741, c. 531–3.]