HC Deb 09 February 1970 vol 795 cc284-6W
Mr. Mawby

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what changes in the use of medium-wave frequencies assigned to the United Kingdom under the Copenhagen Broadcasting Plan, and at present used by the British Broadcasting Corporation for transmissions on Radios One, Three or Four, he has so far notified under Article 8 of the Plan's procedure; and on what dates he proposes to notify any further changes.

Mr. Stonehouse

None. The answer to the second part of the Question is not yet known.

Mr. Mawby

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will authorise the British Broadcasting Corporation to redeploy any of their medium-wave frequencies for the purpose of local broadcasting before the procedures under Article 8 of the Copenhagen Broadcasting Plan have been carried out and have been confirmed; when he will do so; and for which medium-wave frequencies he will give the authorisation.

Mr. Stonehouse

No. The correct procedure will be carried out.

Mr. Mawby

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications which medium-wave frequencies at present used for Radios One, Three or Four he is considering authorising the British Broadcasting Corporation to redeploy for local broadcasting; and what is the latest date he expects to make a decision for the first stations to have their authorisation.

Mr. Stonehouse

My authority will be given for a frequency for each individual station as the B.B.C.s plans proceed. The hon. Member must await each authorisation for the details.

Mr. Mawby

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether

MOTORWAYS Approximate Mileage
IN USE (Ministry and local authority)
M1 LONDON-YORKSHIRE MOTORWAY
North of Fiveways Corner-Stourton … … … 194.5
M18 ROTHERHAM-GOOLE MOTORWAY
Morthen-Doncaster By-Pass (including part of Thurcroft Link) … … … 9.5
M2 MEDWAY MOTORWAY … … … 25.2
M20 MID-KENT MOTORWAY
Maidstone By-Pass … … … 6.8
M4 LONDON-SOUTH WALES MOTORWAY
Chiswick-Holyport … … … 23.8
Tormarton-Severn Bridge … … … 19.9
M40 LONDON-OXFORD MOTORWAY
Burkes Road-Stokenchurch … … … 12.8
M5 BIRMINGHAM-BRISTOL-EXETER MOTORWAY
Quinton-Twyning … … … 32.0
Almondsbury-Avonmouth … … … 7.9

all the 20 local radio stations so far authorised are to be granted a medium wave; and if not, whether he will state which of them he has decided should broadcast on very high frequency only.

Mr. Stonehouse

Yes.