§ 18. Mr. Anthony Greenwoodasked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many enemy wavelengths became available for use by the liberating Powers after the liberation of Germany and Austria; to which nations they have been provisionally allocated pending a general revision of the Lucerne Plan- and for what purpose any wavelengths allocated to this country are being used.
§ 19. Mr. Collinsasked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he will make representations under the Lucerne Agreement for the temporary or permanent acquisition of ex-enemy medium wavelengths not at present in use, so that listeners in the South-West may be provided with a reasonable wireless service.
§ Mr. BurkeFourteen wavelengths were allocated to Germany and four to Austria under the Lucerne Convention. They are all still in use in those countries for broadcasting by the occupying powers to the inhabitants, displaced persons, and the occupying troops, with the exception of one which is used to carry German broadcasts from Moscow. There are thus no ex-enemy medium wavelengths not at present in use which could be used for listeners in the South-West.
§ Mr. GreenwoodCould my hon. Friend assure the House that His Majesty's Government will not agree to the allocation of these wavelengths to other Powers, pending any general revision of the Lucerne Agreement?
§ Major BruceWill my hon. Friend explain why 14 wavelengths are in use in Germany at the present time? Would it not be possible for some to be used by this country?
§ Mr. BurkeFourteen wavelengths were allocated under the Convention. Germany is a larger country than this, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will consider the proportion of wavelengths in this country and those in a country the size of Germany he will perhaps see the reason.