§ Mr. Kitsonasked the Postmaster-General if he will consider allowing a rebate for people owning colour television sets which are now unable to obtain the colour service in parts of the North and West Riding of Yorkshire owing to failure at Emley Moor; how long it will be before normal service is resumed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe B.B.C. tell me that since 7th April, B.B.C.2, with its colour content, has been available to the great majority of the households within the area formerly served from Emley Moor; and that a substantial further improvement will follow when, within a matter of months, Ultra High Frequency aerials are installed on the mast recently completed by the I.T.A. I have carefully considered whether any rebate of the colour television licence fee might be allowed; but concluded that it would be wrong to depart from the principle that refunds on broadcasting receiving licences are not generally payable.