HC Deb 12 June 1972 vol 838 cc221-2W
Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Minister of Posts and Telcommunications how many people in Wales in his estimate will still not be able to receive ultra high frequency 625 line transmission by the end of 1975 and 1980, respectively.

Sir J. Eden

The BBC tells me that its best estimate of the percentage of the population of Wales who will be able to receive UHF 625-line transmissions by 1975 is 87 per cent. Between 1975 and 1980 the percentage will increase, but it would be unrealistic to attempt to estimate the rate of increase.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is his estimate of the number and cost of ultra high frequency transmitters which are needed to give the whole of the United Kingdom a 625-line television service; and how many of these are to be built in Wales.

Sir J. Eden

The cost of providing ultra high frequency television transmitters to provide four services of near national coverage for the United Kingdom has been estimated to be between £100 million and £120 million. This will cover the provision of about 500 stations each with four transmitters to provide the greatest practicable coverage. The best estimate that can be made is that at least 12 per cent, of the whole will be in Wales.