HC Deb 19 March 1946 vol 420 cc1693-4
71. Mr. Thurtle

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General, as representing the Ministry of Information, when the B.B.C. proposes to broadcast in Russian the British point of view regarding Persia, Greece, Indonesia and other issues, in the same way that the Russian point of view on such matters is broadcast in English from Moscow.

72. Major Lloyd

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General, as representing the Ministry of Information, whether he will instruct the B.B.C. to undertake regular broadcasts in Russian to the Soviet people, with a view to explaining to them the British purpose and way of life.

73. Viscount Hinchingbrooke

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General, as representing the Ministry of Information, whether he has any statement to make on the broadcasting of news in Russian.

74. Mr. C. S. Taylor

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General, as representing the Ministry of Information, whether he is aware that news broadcasts are made from Moscow in English directed against the policy of His Majesty's Government, especially with regard to the present situation in Greece; and whether any broadcasts are made from this country in Russian and English in reply

The Assistant Postmaster-Generai (Mr. Burke)

Yes, Sir. I am aware of these broadcasts from Moscow. The B.B.C. does not attempt to counter individual foreign broadcasts but its European Service is designed to provide listeners on the Continent with an accurate picture of events. It has not hitherto broadcast in Russian, for the Soviet Government impounded civilian receivingsets on the outbreak of hostilities between Germany and the U.S.S.R. and there would have been little point in making such broadcasts. I am now informed, however, that the Soviet authorities have lifted the wartime restrictions on listening-in and the B.B.C. is making preparations to add Russian language broadcasts to its existing programmes before the end of the present month.

Mr. Thurtle

Is the Minister aware that this decision on the part of the B.B.C. will be very welcome, in view of the fact that the present situation is thoroughly one-sided?

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

For howmany hours a day will this service be given?

Mr. Burke

To begin with, there will be three half-hour broadcasts per day.