HC Deb 30 March 1938 vol 333 c2020W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that the broadcasting facilities in Newfoundland are inadequate for the reception of programmes from London and other Empire stations, and whether he will have the situation inquired into with a view to establishing a relaying station from which the scattered inhabitants can obtain an efficient service on inexpensive receiving sets, in view of the importance of improving education and social contact with this country?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The development of the broadcasting facilities in Newfoundland is a matter to which the Commission of Government have given close consideration in consultation with local opinion in the Island, and I am at present in correspondence with the Commission-on the details of a scheme of development which they recently submitted to me. This scheme, which is based on technical advice received from the British Broadcasting Corporation, contemplates the erection at St. John's of a central broadcasting station equipped both for the transmission of its own programmes and for the relaying of those from Daventry. The site for the station has already been secured and it is hoped that a start may be made with its erection in the near future.