HC Deb 09 March 1966 vol 725 cc555-6W
Mr. Perry

asked the Postmaster-General if he will now make a statement about Stage 5 of the British Broadcasting Corporation's plan for improving and extending their very high frequency on television and sound services.

Mr. Benn

Yes. I have now given my approval in principle to proposals made by the B.B.C.:

  1. 1. to build low-power television relay stations in the following areas:
    • Seaford.
    • Rye.
    • Wensleydale/Swaledale.
    • Richmond, Yorks.
    • Bridlington.
    • Ambleside.
    • Weymouth.
    • Hungerford.
    • Marlborough.
    • Limpley Stoke.
    • Sidmouth.
    • Port Ellen (Islay).
    • Helensburgh.
    • Jamestown.
    • Neath.
    • Ammanford.
    • Llanelly.
    • Abergavenny.
    • Betws-y-Coed.
    • Ffestiniog.
  2. 2. to build V.H.F. sound relay stations in the following areas:
    • Wensleydale/Swaledale.
    • Whitby.
    • Ambleside.
    • Ventnor.
    • Portrush.
    • Ballachulish.
    • Betws-y-Coed.
    • Ffestiniog.

The twenty television stations will give service for the first time to about 15,000 people and improve reception for some 250,000 more; the six television stations in Wales will all carry the B.B.C. Wales service and will increase the coverage of this programme by about 85,000 people. The eight V.H.F. sound stations will bring this service for the first time to about 17,000 people and improve reception for a further 23,000.

The Corporation hope to complete some of these stations by the end of 1967 and the remainder in 1968.