HC Deb 10 December 1958 vol 597 cc59-60W
46 and 47. Mr. C. Hughes

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether he has considered the results obtained from the experimental television transmitter at Folkestone; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what steps he is taking in conjunction with the British Broadcasting Corporation, to improve television reception in Anglesey and the neighbouring areas.

49. Sir J. Duncan

asked the Postmaster-General what steps he has taken to increase the strength of very high frequency and television signals in the Forfar area, and to avoid outside interference.

56. Mr. Watkins

asked the Postmaster- General whether he is now able to say how many low-power satellite stations for television service are to be constructed in Wales; and what is to be their location and the expected coverage.

63. Mr. G. Roberts

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the poor quality of television reception in many parts of Caernarvonshire; and what steps he is taking to improve it.

Mr. K. Thompson

To avoid wearying the House with repetition, I will answer these Questions together.

Although television and VHF sound coverage is now widespread, I am aware that there are areas of Wales and Scotland as well as of England and Northern Ireland where reception is not satisfactory or not possible at all. Both the B.B.C. and I.T.A. have plans for further improvements and extensions of their television coverages over a period of years, and the B.B.C. also have plans in regard to extension of V.H.F. sound coverage.

The B.B.C. say that the experimental low- power satellite transmitter at Folkestone is giving satisfactory service. They hope to provide more of these and other low- power television stations. Each case involves finding a suitable site and an appropriate frequency. The polarisation and power of each of the stations must be carefully worked out to avoid interference with other stations working on the same frequency and I cannot therefore say at this stage what it may be possible to do for particular areas.

The I.T.A. inform me that they hope ultimately to build a station in West Wales and some satellite stations along the West Coast of Scotland. Their development plan includes a station in Aberdeenshire which they hope will cover Forfar.

It is for the B.B.C. and I.T.A. to determine their own expenditures within their permitted ceilings of capital investment.