Mr. Enroll:

asked the Postmaster-General if he is now in a position to announce whether the television transmitter programme will escape economy cuts.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can now indicate the effects of the recent capital cuts on the programme for the extension of television.

The extension to Holme Moss is not affected by the cuts in capital expenditure made so far, but I cannot give any assurance as regards expenditure in later years on the remainder of the plan.

When can we have an assurance that there will in fact be no further cuts?

As soon as the extensions in capital costs have been decided.

Colonel Hutchison:

That being so, can the hon. Gentleman say when we may hope to be able to get the precise date of the programme which was announced at Radio Olympia by the Lord President of the Council some time ago?

Sir.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this statement further postpones the setting up of television in Scotland?

I cannot say.

Does this mean that the station at Holme Moss will not be open at the end of 1951?

The hon. and gallant Member has not listened to my reply to the Question.

Could my hon. Friend state when he would be in a position to make any statement, not merely about Scotland or any specific station but about the whole future programme?

That will depend on the programme.

Commander Galbraith:

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the importance of this matter in connection with the export trade?

I do not think the export trade is at all affected by the programme.