§ 41. Mr. John Profumoasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the Government's decision about meeting the cost of the measures necessary to counter the jamming of the British Broadcasting Corporation's foreign transmission by Cominform countries.
§ Mr. EdenYes, Sir. These measures will be carried out and will not—repeat "not"—be financed at the expense of existing services.
§ Mr. ProfumoIs my right hon. Friend aware that the decision of the Government in this respect will be widely welcomed by hon. Members on both sides of the House as a firm demonstration that Great Britain is not prepared to permit her right of free speech on the air to be curtailed by any foreign Power?
§ Mr. EdenThe essential is that this jamming practice must be met with anti-jamming efforts on our part which will not be allowed to affect our general broadcasting service.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Marcus LiptonWill this now entail another Supplementary Estimate?
§ Mr. EdenIf the hon. and gallant Member wishes to know how this is to be financed, perhaps he will await the debate which is to take place shortly.