§ Mr. Granvilleasked the Postmaster-General if he will take steps to improve radio reception in Suffolk, which has deteriorated since the allocation of new wavelengths.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI understand from the B.B.C. that the Light Programme can be well received in Suffolk on the long wavelength (1,500 metres). This wavelength has not been changed, but as the power of the station has been doubled, reception should have improved. Reception of the Third Programme on the new wavelength (463.7 metres) should be better than on the old (514.6 metres). The B.B.C. hope to bring a new and more powerful transmitter at Daventry into use early in the New Year, when reception should be further improved.
Reception of the London Home Service (330.4 metres) has not been affected substantially by the change in wavelength. Unfortunately, interference is being caused by a foreign broadcasting station; I am doing all that I can to eliminate it. The B.B.C. is aware that reception of one or more of its programmes is not everywhere wholly satisfactory, but because of the wavelength changes made last March the full extent of the problem will not be known until winter conditions have been experienced. The Corporation will then be able to review the problem and consider what steps may be desirable and practicable to improve reception.