§ 13. Mr. Gordon-Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied with the adequacy of the present technical facilities for broadcasts from this country to Eastern European countries, particularly for broadcasts in the German and Polish languages.
Mr. McNeilThe present arrangement represents an attempt to satisfy all the interests involved. There is only a limited number of wavelengths available to be shared between the B.B.C.'s European and Domestic Services. Moreover, the use of very powerful transmitters may interfere with the reception of distress signals and so affect safety of life at sea, 6 and the question of interference with other countries broadcasting services has also to be considered. I have accepted the present arrangements as being the best that can be devised having regard to these limitations. But my hon. Friend may rest assured that I am aware of the importance of our broadcasts to Europe, and that I will continue to watch the position in the hope that further means may be found of improving the service.
§ Mr. Gordon-WalkerIs consideration being given to the question of Russian language broadcasts from London?