§ 38. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Postmaster-General if he will estimate the cost of adapting television receivers now geared to Band I transmission to reception of Band III transmissions, including the cost of new aerials.
§ Mr. BevinsMost viewers nowadays have sets and aerials able to receive programmes on Band I and Band III. This is especially so in areas such as South Wales and West of England which have had B.B.C. and I.T.A. television for a number of years. When the new Welsh service begins, many people will need a new coil unit which, with the cost of installation, could perhaps cost up to £2. Many people may also need a new Band III aerial: this might cost about £7.
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§ 39. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Postmaster-General which television channel is to be made available in Band III for the separation of the West of England from Wales; and if he has considered the relative advantage of keeping Wales on the present Band I channel, and using the Band III channel for the West of England.
§ Mr. BevinsThe Band III channel to be used is at present under consideration. To use a Band III channel for the West of England instead of for Wales would mean that many people in the West of England would need new aerials, while some would lose service altogether. I think the balance of advantage lies in using a Band III channel for Wales.