What mes
M.
3
Rediffusion's submission also raises the questions of transmission arrangements and the conditions of TVB's leases over its transmitter and translator sites. On these matters I have only two brief points to make. Firstly, the leases expire only if TVB's licence should not be renewed after the first five year period. If the licence is renewed, the terms of the leases are automatically deemed to have been renewed upon the same conditions. Secondly, the feasibility of establishing an ITA-type organisation has certainly been explored as one of the means by which transmission facilities could be provided to all wireless television licensees. It would seem only sensible that all reasonable alternatives should be properly evaluated before new wireless television licences are granted and the pattern then set for the next few years.
It is not. however, our intention that this possible approval should in any way delay our action on granting new wireless television licences.
Finally I feel I must point out that, while we understand and sympathize with Rediffusion's current problems, there can be no question of any absolute link between the expiry of Rediffusion's wired television licence and the grant of new wireless television licences. In other words, Rediffusion cannot expect as of right to have the opportunity to participate in a tender for new wireless television licences immediately their wired licence expires. Having said this, I should add that the Government is well aware of the desirability of granting new wireless television licences as soon as possible. Most of the documentation, including the Television (Amendment) Bill, draft licences and tender forms have been virtually completed and other outstanding matters are being dealt with urgently.
1
| Yet TVB
get this licence entender!!
M
(S.T. Kidd)
Ag. Colonial Secretary
c.c. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
E.0. Laird Esq., CMG, MBE,
Foreign & Commonwealth Office, LONDON S.W.1.
BGJ/SC
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