HC Deb 29 March 1950 vol 473 cc383-4
28. Brigadier Rayner

asked the Postmaster-General when and how the broadcasting wavelengths agreed at Copenhagen may be revised.

Mr. Ness Edwards

The plan agreed at Copenhagen can only be revised by a conference of Governments of the European broadcasting area. Such a conference is due to be arranged within 18 months of the Radio Administrative Conference which is expected to open in 1952. Exceptionally, a European broadcasting conference could be convened earlier provided 10 of the Governments concerned submitted a request to the International Telecommunication Union.

Brigadier Rayner

Is it not a fact that under the new allocation East to West broadcasts in Germany are stronger and clearer than ever, whereas West to East broadcasts are seriously interfered with? Is it not a fact that the Americans, who were not parties to the agreement, are pirating a lot of our wavelengths, and will the Minister press for an early conference?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I am having a preliminary discussion about this matter tomorrow, as a result of which, I hope, steps will be taken to improve the position.