HC Deb 16 October 1940 vol 365 cc696-7
30. Captain Plugge

asked the Minister of Information what broadcasts are issued from or by this country for the information of residents in Syria, especially those who resent Axis domination?

The Minister of Information (Mr. Duff Cooper)

Arabic-speaking and French-speaking residents of Syria can receive respectively two and five B.B.C. news bulletins daily, in addition to part of the general programme, which includes broadcasts daily in French by or on behalf of General de Gaulle and the feature "Les Francais parlent aux Francais." In addition, two bulletins in French and two in Arabic, transmitted daily by the broadcasting station of Jerusalem, can be received in Syria.

31. Captain Plugge

asked the Minister of Information whether he can make any statement as to our broadcasting arrangements for Spain for reception in day time?

Mr. Cooper

During the day time, a 15-minute bulletin in Spanish is broadcast from four short-wave transmitters at 1.45 p.m. British Summer Time. A daily entertainment programme for Spanish listeners is planned for production shortly.

Captain Plugge

Is my right hon. Friend aware that short wave is not receivable on the majority of the receiving sets; and, since we have scuttled our only long wave-length, cannot we arrange for some wavelength to be used to reach Spain in daylight on the medium or long wave bands?

Mr. Cooper

My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that there is a very great demand on our limited transmitters, and that we have to make the most of them according to circumstances.

Captain Plugge

But this situation can easily be remedied. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking in that direction?

36. Captain Plugge

asked the Minister of Information how many wavelengths on the long wave and the medium wavebands were in use by this country at the start of the war; how many of all these are in operation now; and with how many enemy-operated broadcasting stations and on how many wavelengths on the long wave and the medium wavebands this country is in competition at the present time?

Mr. Cooper

It would not be in the public interest to give the information for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks.