§ Mr. Bryanasked the Postmaster-General if he will make a statement on the long- and short-term effects of the collapse of the Independent Television Authority mast at Emley Moor including the effects on present and future transmission of colour television.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe I.T.A. mast at Emley Moor served the main station used to transmit independent television in V.H.F. and on the 405-line definition standard in the area covered by the Authority's contract with Yorkshire Television. The population living within the transmission area is, according to the344W Authority, about 6 million. B.B.C. 2 was also transmitted, in U.H.F. and on the 625-line definition standard, from the mast. This transmission, together with those from two other stations dependent on it was, the B.B.C. states, available to some 5 million people. Emergency measures taken by both broadcasting authorities have restored service to about half the population in each case.
Plans are in hand to erect a further temporary mast 680 ft. high on adjacent land. This mast will be in service the I.T.A. tells me within a few months' time if all goes well. It will be equipped to carry the V.H.F. 405-line service of independent television; the U.H.F. 625-line versions of B.B.C. 1 and independent television; and B.B.C. 2. The 405-line version of independent television and B.B.C. 2 will then be available to a substantially greater number of people than under the present emergency arrangements. On this timetable the 625-line versions of B.B.C. 1 and independent television, due to start early next year at latest, should not be delayed. However, their population coverage at the start will have to be reduced. The I.T.A. does not expect the final replacement of the collapsed mast to take less than 18 months.