Mr Ward d asked the Postmaster-General, upon notice -

1.   Has a survey revealed that only approximately 10 per cent, of viewers tune into national television stations?

2.   Is this low percentage of viewers due to (a) poor photography, (b) too many low-grade programmes and (c) poor reception due to technical defects in telecasting?

3.   What steps are contemplated to correct the position?

4.   If no action is taken, would this operate to the disadvantage of the national undertaking and assist stations conducted by private enterprise?

Mr Davidson - The answers to the honorable member's questions are as follows: -

1.   Reports issued by viewer research organizations are confidential to the subscribers and the contents of these reports cannot be made public without the authority of the organizations conducting the surveys. Some of the A.B.C.'s programmes, I understand, enjoy very much higher viewer ratings than is suggested in the question. 2, 3 and 4. The technical standards of the national television services are very good and programmes of the highest possible standard are provided. Viewers in certain areas in Sydney and to a lesser extent in Melbourne experience some interference to reception but this is not due to defects in transmission. Action is being taken by the Australian Broadcasting Control Board with a view to overcoming this difficulty as quickly as possible.