§ Mr. Woof80, 81 and 82. asked the Postmaster-General (1) if he will make inquiries into the reasons for the bad television reception in the area of Bridgend, Newburn, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and publish a statement of his proposals for remedying this problem;
(2) if he will make representations to the Central Electricity Generating Board regarding the erection of pylons, overhead lines, and high-voltage switching devices, which have been installed in the area of Bridgend, Newburn, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and which are causing interference with television reception to all who are residents therein;
(3) if he is aware that many television licence-holders residing in Bridgend, Newburn, Newcastle-on-Tyne, are unable to receive television broadcasts; what action he will take to compensate them for the expense incurred in purchasing licences which are of no value to them; and when he expects that television reception will be fully restored in this area.
§ Mr. BevinsThe district is screened by high ground from the B.B.C. and I.T.A. transmitters serving the Newcastle area. This means that the received signal is weak and particularly liable to interference from overhead power lines and162W associated equipment. The Central Electricity Generating Board has been asked to help and it has recently completed arrangements which have greatly improved the conditions. This and the use of high multi-element aerials, which are always necessary in areas where the television signals are weakened by the lie of the land, should give satisfactory reception.
I cannot undertake to refund licence fees because of interference to reception.