§ Mr. Doigasked the Postmaster-General if he will now make a statement about Stage 4 of the British Broadcasting Corporation's plans for improving and extending their television and very high frequency sound coverage.
§ Mr. BennYes. I have now given my approval in principle to proposals made by the B.B.C.:
1. to build low-power television relay stations in the following areas:
Aldeburgh. Girvan. Ayr. Kilkeel. Ballater. Kingussie. Ballycastle. Llangollen. Bodmin. Llanidloes. Bude. Lochgilphead. Campbeltown. Portrush. Cardigan. Scilly Isles. Dolgellau. Whitby. 2. to build VHF sound relay stations in the following areas:
Ballycastle. Llanidloes. Campbeltown. Lochgilphead. Dolgellau. Weardale. Kilkeel. Scilly Isles. Kingussie. The 18 television stations will give service for the first time to about 24,000 people, and improve reception for some 101,000 more; the 9 VHF sound stations will bring this service for the first time to over 30,000.
It is hoped to complete Stage 4 some time in 1966. The B.B.C. are now considering a further stage.