§ 40. Sir William Davisonasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has beeen called to the fact that the reception in Egypt of the British Broadcasting Corporation's programmes in Arabic and English on short waves is much inferior to the reception of programmes from Italy and Germany; and whether steps will be taken to improve the reception of British programmes?
§ Major TryonI am informed by the British Broadcasting Corporation that according to their information reception in Egypt of the programmes in Arabic and in English transmitted from this country on short waves has generally been quite satisfactory. Recent reports indicate, however, that while the reception of the British programmes in Arabic continues to be satisfactory, the programmes in English are at times not so well received in Egypt as are the German and Italian transmissions. The position is being carefully examined by the Corporation with a view to providing the best possible service to this area.
§ Sir W. DavisonDo the Government recognise the great importance of all English programmes of all kinds being transmitted in the best possible way, in view of the present situation, and further, what arrangements are made to report to the Government and the British Broad casting Corporation any defects which may arise in any foreign country?
§ Major TryonI think that if my hon. Friend reads the answer, he will see that the British Broadcasting Corporation realise that there have been difficulties in the matter, which shows that they are keeping in touch, and he will also see that they are taking up the matter, which is of great importance.