§ 60. Mr. Osborneasked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he will make a statement on the protest made to him by local authorities in north Lincolnshire about the unsatisfactory reception on the medium wave-band, 434 metres, Northern Home Service, and also from the television service; and what steps he is taking to improve these two services.
§ Mr. GammansI have received representations about unsatisfactory reception of the North Home Service from nine local authorities.
I understand from the B.B.C. that north Lincolnshire should normally receive a good service from Moorside Edge on 434 metres, but that during the winter evenings serious interference has been caused by a Russian station using the same wavelength. We have protested to the Soviet Administration but, since 4th March, the B.B.C. has heard a second Russian transmitter using the wavelength, and I regret that the interference has become worse. A further strong protest is being sent.
The B.B.C. was able to make a slight improvement in the situation earlier this year and hopes to make a further improvement by next winter. Reception 210W conditions should improve during the summer months.
I understand from the B.B.C. that normally the television programmes should be well received in the greater part of north Lincolnshire.