HC Deb 05 December 1980 vol 995 cc198-9W
Mr. Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take to improve the poor state of television reception in the area of Llangernyw, Abergele, Clwyd.

Mr. Brittan

The development of the television transmitter network is primarily the responsibility of the broadcasting authorities, who are currently undertaking phase II of the UHF engineering programme which is de signed to extend UHF television coverage to communities with permanent populations of 500 or more.

In reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 20 May, my right hon. Friend announced his approval to phase HI of the programme which is intended to extend coverage to groups of less than 500 wherever it is reasonably practicable for this to be done.

I understand that a new UHF television relay station is planned under phase III to supplement the existing television coverage in the Llangernyw area. Planning is at an early stage, and it is not yet possible to say when this new station might come into operation.