Local Broadcasting

Oral Answers to Questions — Wireless and Television – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 27 March 1962.

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Photo of Mr Charles Grey Mr Charles Grey , City of Durham 12:00, 27 March 1962

asked the Postmaster-General when it is expected that local broadcasting will be introduced in Great Britain.

Photo of Mr Reginald Bevins Mr Reginald Bevins , Liverpool Toxteth

No decision will be taken one way or the other until after the Pilkington Committee has reported.

Photo of Mr Charles Grey Mr Charles Grey , City of Durham

Is the Postmaster-General aware of the tremendous success of the experiments in local broadcasting carried out in Durham a few weeks ago, and does he appreciate that Durham would welcome such a facility? If this kind of local broadcasting is to take place, will the right hon. Gentleman give it top priority?

Photo of Mr Reginald Bevins Mr Reginald Bevins , Liverpool Toxteth

I have heard of those reports, but it is really premature to say anything definite on them yet.

Photo of Mr Desmond Donnelly Mr Desmond Donnelly , Pembrokeshire

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a statement regarding the reports he has received from the British Broadcasting Corporation regarding the Coropration's experiments in local broadcasting.

Photo of Mr Reginald Bevins Mr Reginald Bevins , Liverpool Toxteth

I have not received any reports from the B.B.C. about its experiments in local broadcasting.

Photo of Mr Desmond Donnelly Mr Desmond Donnelly , Pembrokeshire

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was rather afraid of this? Does he, by any chance, read the newspapers? If he does, has he noticed that the B.B.C. has carried out experiments? If he has kept with me in this intellectual process so far, may I ask why he has not troubled to inform himself about this? Can it be that he is in the hands of some commercial vested interest?

Photo of Mr Reginald Bevins Mr Reginald Bevins , Liverpool Toxteth

I read the newspapers, and I also read the Order Paper. Although I can do all sorts of things, I cannot make a statement on reports that I have never had.