HC Deb 27 November 1950 vol 481 cc118-9W
Mr. Llewellyn

asked the Postmaster-General on what date Cardiff Rural District Council were informed by his Department of the choice of the St. Nicholas television station site; on what date Cardiff Rural District Council informed his Department that on planning grounds the St. Lytham's site was preferable; on what date the Air Ministry were informed by his Department of the proposed change of site to St. Lytham's; on what date the Air Ministry notified his Department of their acceptance of the St. Lytham's site; on what date his Department conveyed this information to Cardiff Rural District Council; and to what extent delay has been caused by these negotiations.

Mr. Ness Edwards

The selection of sites for television stations, and consultation with local authorities, is entirely a matter for the B.B.C. The Corporation requires my formal approval of the selected site, and before this is given the Post Office ascertains that the site is acceptable to the other Government Departments concerned.

My approval of the St. Nicholas site was sought on 25th May, 1950, and given on 26th June. The B.B.C. subsequently abandoned this site because of objections by the Cardiff Rural District Council and, on 31st October, it requested my approval of a new site near Wenvoe, Glamorgan. This site is acceptable to the Post Office and to the Air Ministry whose agreement was obtained on 15th November. I understand that it is also acceptable to the other Government Departments concerned, but I am awaiting formal confirmation.