HC Deb 24 July 1970 vol 804 cc270-1W
Mr. Coleman

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications in view of the complaints made by people living in the Neath constituency of poor television reception, what steps are being taken to improve the situation.

Mr. Chataway

The B.B.C. and the I.T.A. are primarily responsible for the coverage attained by their various services. Both Authorities are presently engaged in extending the coverage of the duplicate versions of B.B.C. Wales and I.T.V. (Harlech Television-Welsh version), and they tell me that the Kilvey Hill Station which already transmits B.B.C. Wales on V.H.F. and B.B.C.2 on U.H.F. will also transmit B.B.C. Wales and the Harlech Welsh version of I.T.V. in U.H.F. A further U.H.F. relay station is to be built in the Upper Neath Valley but this cannot be done until the main U.H.F. television station at Carmel is completed.

Mr. Gwynoro Jones

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what percentage of the people with television sets in Wales is able to receive the B.B.C. Wales, satisfactorily; and if he will give the figures on a county by county basis.

Mr. William Edwards

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what percentage of people living in the county of Merioneth is able to receive television programmes from B.B.C. Wales by private aerial; and how this county compares with the percentage for the whole of Wales.

Mr. Chataway

The B.B.C. is primarily responsible for the coverage attained in its services. It tells me that 74 per cent. of the population of Wales should be able to receive B.B.C. Wales providing efficient sets and aerials are used. Comparable figures on a county basis are not immediately available; but I will write to the hon. Members after consulting the B.B.C.

Mr. Gwynoro Jones

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, in view of the fact that 80 per cent. of those with television sets in Carmarthenshire where the majority are Welsh speaking are unable to receive B.B.C. Wales and the British Broadcasting Corporation Welsh language programmes, what action is being taken to improve reception there.

Mr. Chataway

The B.B.C. is primarily responsible for the coverage attained by its services. It tells me that the Carmel U.H.F. Station transmitting B.B.C. Wales on Channel 57 will provide a general service in Carmarthenshire. Transmissions are expected to start in the second half of 1972.