§ 28. Mr. Walter Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in increasing the broadcasting range and facilities in Hong Kong; and if he is satisfied that adequate efforts have been made to overcome the difficulties of transmission in this Colony, in view of its importance as a means of getting our propaganda to the people of China.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe effective range of the Hong Kong broadcasting service is the area of the Colony itself. I am assured that its transmitting facilities are adequate for the purposes of the local service. Broadcasts from this country to China and other countries of the Far East are relayed, as the hon. Member will be aware, through Malaya, not through Hong Kong.
§ Mr. FletcherIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is most important to have as an auxiliary to the 1004 Malayan service—which is not coming into full use for a number of months—the Hong Kong broadcasting station, which could be easily extended at a small cost for use in broadcasting to China? May I apologise to the hon. Member opposite who looks on this as his own preserve, for raising the matter?
§ Mr. GriffithsI could not agree that it could be done at small cost. The new transmitter in Malaya will be in use very shortly and we think it will be adequate.
§ Mr. GammansDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that his answer is quite unrealistic and that the station in Singapore to which he refers is a short-wave station? If Southern China is to be affected by our broadcasts that can only be done from Hong Kong by medium wave?
§ Mr. GriffithsNo, I do not accept that view.