HC Deb 23 October 1940 vol 365 cc1039-40
31. Captain Plugge (for Mr. Vernon Bartlett)

asked the Minister of Information why the time given to broadcasts in foreign languages has recently been reduced?

Mr. Cooper

It was found essential to make certain adjustments in time to preserve the efficiency of broadcasts generally, having regard to the resources of the B.B.C. No foreign language service has been discontinued.

Captain Plugge

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Great Britain scuttled its only long wave length at the outbreak of war, and therefore operates no long wave length at all, while the Germans operate eight long wave lengths and that our foreign broadcasts reach only a sprinkling of listeners abroad in the countries intended, and that we are losing as a result every hour several thousand adherents to our cause?

Mr. Cooper

As I have informed my hon. and gallant Friend on previous occasions, though the B.B.C. is working under considerable difficulties the reduction in the number of foreign broadcasts is very inconsiderable, and broadcasts in no language have been stopped altogether. I can assure the House that in the present situation every possible step is being taken to improve and to strengthen and to lengthen our broadcasts and our propaganda by broadcasts all over the world.

Captain Plugge

The puny broadcasting system is not capable of handling one-tenth the propaganda required.

Mr. Granville

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any increased jamming of these foreign broadcasts?

Mr. Cooper

Yes, there is a great deal of jamming of the foreign broadcasts.

Mr. Granville

Can the Prime Minister's speech to the French people which was interrupted by jamming the other night be re-broadcast from the disc recording?

Mr. Cooper

It has been re-broadcast several times with, I think, satisfactory results. Although the broadcast was jammed in some places it was clearly heard in other places, both in this country and abroad, including France.

Captain Plugge

Since these broadcasts are being jammed, is not that the reason why we should have a large number of broadcasts on long wave lengths and powerful medium wave stations, on the basis that if some are blocked others will get through, as in the case of tanks, aeroplanes and other weapons of war?

Mr. Sorensen

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman agrees with the concluding sentence of the Supplementary Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Chatham (Captain Plugge) referring to the loss of many thousands of listeners?

Mr. Cooper

I hope that is not true.