HC Deb 02 February 1949 vol 460 cc1673-4
40. Mr. Baker-White

asked the Postmaster-General what reply he has had from the Russian Government to his representations regarding interference with reception of the Home Service in Kent by a Russian-controlled transmitter on the Baltic coast.

Mr. Hobson

The Soviet Ministry of Communications replied on 29th October, 1948, to our telegram dated 23rd October, 1948, saying measures are being taken for the removal of the oscillations on this wavelength. Subsequently it has been observed in most areas that the interference has been considerably reduced. There is, however, still some slight interference especially in the eastern part of Kent and my Department have recently communicated with the Soviet authorities again.

Mr. Baker-White

Is the Minister aware that over quite a wide area this interference is so acute still that people cannot hear the nine o'clock news, and they are getting awfully bored with the balalaika? Will the Minister get over it by the obvious way of opening up one of the wartime relay stations to cover that part of Kent?

Mr. Hobson

The whole matter is being considered. We made a communication to the Soviet authorities and they took action, although there is still slight interference. As recently as 28th January we made a further communication to the Soviet authorities regarding the matter.

Mr. Henry Usborne

Is there any reason to suppose that this interference is deliberate?

Mr. Hobson

No.