HC Deb 05 July 1950 vol 477 cc459-60
24. Mr. Thomas Reid

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent cheap short-wave battery wireless receiving sets, made on the initiative of the Northern Rhodesian Government Information Department, have been used in other Colonies by their Governments for diffusion of reliable news in public places; and to what extent the set is being purchased by the Colonial people.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. James Griffiths)

Sets have been sent for testing to 13 other territories in which there is considered to be potential use for a short-wave receiver of this type, and I am now awaiting reports and comments from the Governments concerned. Sales facilities have been organised in several of these territories, but no information is yet available about purchases. In Northern Rhodesia more than 2,250 sets have been privately purchased. A very interesting report on the use of the set has been published by the Government of Northern Rhodesia, and I have placed a copy in the Library of the House.

Mr. Reid

Is my bon. Friend aware that the utmost importance is to be attached to the diffusion of reliable news in the Colonies especially as the Communists are now posing as the champions of the Colonial peoples?

Mr. Griffiths

I am aware of the need of this kind of propaganda. I am interested in these experiments and am giving them every encouragement I can.

Sir Ralph Glyn

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any other steps to meet the representations of the Governments of the West African Colonies in providing cheap receiving sets, for which a scheme is prepared for the use of battery sets?

Mr. Griffiths

Yes, the West African Colonies are among the territories in which the experiments are being conducted. If they are successful I shall encourage them in every possible way.