§ Mr. Morganasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he is satisfied with the present state of television reception in the area of Cyffylliog, Clwyd, North Wales; and what proposals he has in mind for its improvement;
(2) whether he will ensure that television boosters are erected in the area of Llangynhafal, near Denbigh, and in that of the Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen, for the purpose of improving television reception in those parts of the county of Clwyd.
§ Mr. BrittanThe primary responsibility for extending the coverage of the UHF television services lies with the BBC and the IBA which are jointly engaged on an engineering programme to extend coverage to communities with per-640W manent populations of 500 or more. This programme still has some years to run.
I am informed that both Cyffylliog and the Horseshoe Pass are regarded as unserved by UHF television in terms of the strict technical standards laid down by the broadcasting authorities, but in each case the population is below the minimum of 500 necessary to qualify for a relay station under the existing engineering programme. However, BBC engineers have visited both areas to give advice on the possibilities for improving television reception.
I understand that Llangynhafal lies within the coverage area of the Moly-yParc transmitter and reception in the area should be satisfactory. If my hon. and learned Friend has a particular instance of unsatisfactory reception in mind, perhaps he would write to me.