HC Deb 30 March 1955 vol 539 cc36-7W
76. Mr. Gower

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether, in view of the poor reception of British Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts in many parts of Wales, and in view of the fact that efforts to achieve agreement with the East German authorities have been unsuccessful, he will now consider whether some additional wavelength may be allocated to Welsh Regional broadcasts.

Mr. Gammans

Unfortunately the number of medium wavelengths allotted to the United Kingdom is too small to provide an additional wavelength for Wales.

77. Mr. Gower

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many representations he has received in the past year upon the poor quality of the reception in many parts of Wales of British Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts; and what steps will be taken to improve reception.

Mr. Gammans

There have been 51 representations in all. In my answer to the hon. Member for Anglesey (Mr. C. Hughes) on 2nd February, I explained the troubles which have arisen in the Welsh Home Service and described the steps being taken by the B.B.C. to improve reception. Since then, I understand that the Corporation have met a number of hon. Members from Wales and have gone into the position in detail with them. They also explained their plans to deal with the situation—these have now been extended to include an early increase in power at the Wrexham station and a low-power VHF station in Anglesey, to serve North Wales, which my noble Friend has approved, will be provided towards the end of the year.