§ 28. Mr. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reasons it is found impracticable to broadcast in Hausa to the 10,000,000 Hausa-speaking peoples in British West Africa; and how soon the matter will be reconsidered.
Mr. Creech JonesBroadcasts in Hausa are already made over rediffusion systems from six stations in Nigeria, and it is hoped to provide this year three new stations, all in the Northern Provinces.
175 The resumption of Hausa broadcasts from the Gold Coast is also being considered. The question of arranging broadcasts in Hausa from London will be kept under review. At present there is an insufficient number of receiving sets in the Northern Provinces of Nigeria to justify the use of staff and wavelengths urgently required for other services.
§ Mr. KeelingDoes riot the Secretary of State think that a supply of broadcasts would create a demand for sets? Has should be made available for the Hausais understood by more British subjects, outside India, than any other language, except, of course, English?
Mr. Creech JonesI think the hon. Member will appreciate that I am most anxious that broadcast arrangements should be made available for the Hausa speaking peoples, and that, therefore, I am doing all I can to extend this particular service.