HC Deb 12 May 1964 vol 695 cc39-40W
Mr. Watkins

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there are parts of the county of Brecon unable to receive the new Welsh programme of the British Broadcasting Corporation; and whether he will take steps to enable Welsh-speaking people to have the advantage of the new service.

Mr. Bevins

Yes. The B.B.C. is considering what can be done to improve coverage by its Welsh television service in this and other parts of Wales.

Mr. Watkins

asked the Postmaster-General what representations have been received by the British Broadcasting Corporation, with reference to the new Welsh programme from the Llanyre transmitter, Mid-Wales; and whether an alternative service can be provided.

Mr. Bevins

The B.B.C. tells me it has had representations from local authorities in the area. The hon. Member will recall that for many years Welsh interests have been pressing vigorously for a separate Welsh service. The Committee on Broadcasting reported Welsh opinion, as it represented itself, to be strongly and unanimously in favour of such a service. In response to these representations, the B.B.C.'s Welsh Service has been authorised by the Government. If, after all, it is now represented that, rather than the Welsh Service, B.B.C. 1 should be transmitted from the Corporation's Llandrindod Wells station, these representations would be for the National Broadcasting Council for Wales to consider in the first place. If the suggestion is that B.B.C. 1 should be transmitted in addition to the Welsh service, then I can hold out now no prospect of such a development.