§ Mr. Masonasked the Postmaster-General what areas of the country are under consideration for the development of radio towers for the future microwave network; if any sites have been agreed upon; how many he intends to construct; what is the estimated cost of this development; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BevinsThere are about 90 microwave radio stations in operation or being provided, and planning permission is being sought for a further 17. I expect that 20 more stations will be needed during the next five years.
The stations are required for the provision of telephone service and television 113W links; they are sited in various parts of the country, principally between the main centres of population. The total cost of the development when completed is expected to have been something like £20 million.