HC Deb 23 July 1952 vol 504 cc524-6
38. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what were the objectives of the British delegation to the Stockholm Radio Conference; how far those objectives were achieved; and if he will publish a White Paper containing the terms of the Agreement.

41. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General for what reasons the United Kingdom delegates at the Stockholm Conference reserved complete freedom with regard to the use of frequencies in Bands II and III, after claiming and getting certain assignments in these bands.

Mr. Gammans

The objectives of the British delegation to the Stockholm Conference were to reach the fullest possible measure of agreement with certain reservations on the allocation of three specified bands discussed at the Conference. Our delegation agreed to the frequencies allotted to us in Band I, which include the high and low powered television stations of the B.B.C. In Bands II and III a large number of frequencies were allotted to us, but it was essential that we should reserve complete freedom until we had decided upon plans for developing V.H.F. sound and television broadcasting, including the type of modulation for sound broadcasting.

It is not proposed to issue a White Paper, but I will arrange for a copy of the Agreement to be placed in the Library of the House when printed copies are available.

Mr. Edwards

Is not this a rather astonishing doctrine? A delegation is sent to Stockholm to obtain certain concessions. We obtain those concessions and, having got them to preserve our position in television, we then reserve complete freedom to interfere with other people's concessions. Is not this a really bad way of doing things?

Mr. Gammans

It would be quite impossible for us to take any other attitude until we have come to a decision ourselves on the form of modulation which we will use for V.H.F. sound broadcasting and other technical questions on television.

Mr. Edwards

How can we complain of Russia not accepting this agreement when we ourselves get what we want and in addition say we reserve complete freedom to take anybody else's concession?

Mr. Gammans

The Conference completely understood our position in this matter.

39. Mr. R. E. Winterbottom

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what reasons were given by the Iron Curtain countries for not signing the Stockholm Wavelength Agreement after having taken part in the Conference which arrived at the Agreement.

Mr. Gammans

The main reasons given were that the plans prepared by the Conference had no adequate technical basis and created unequal conditions for the countries in the European Area.

Mr. Winterbottom

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that our conduct in negotiations was above reproach? In addition to the copy of the Agreement which he has promised to place in the Library, will he furnish hon. Members with some kind of report of the actual negotiations which took place?

Mr. Gammans

I shall be pleased to furnish the House with a copy of the statement put forward by the Russians which explains their attitude.

40. Mr. R. E. Winterbottom

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what further steps he proposes to take to prevent jamming of sound and television broadcasting from this country, consequent upon the failure of Portugal, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and certain Eastern European countries to sign the Stockholm Wavelength Agreement

Mr. Gammans

If the hon. Member refers to deliberate jamming of B.B.C. broadcasts directed to certain countries, the problem is not affected by the discussions at the recent Stockholm Conference as these broadcasts are operated on wavelengths outside the bands considered at Stockholm. If he has in mind interference to our own internal broadcasting services, the fact that certain countries did not sign at Stockholm does not necessarily mean that they will interfere with their neighbours.

Mr. Winterbottom

In view of the jamming which is taking place at the moment, may I ask the Minister whether or not he has made any approach, or is intending to make any approach, with a view to preventing this interference?

Mr. Gammans

I can assure the hon. Member and the House that when continuous jamming takes place on a wavelength the strongest representations are made by us to the country concerned.