§ 44. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what British programmes are available over the radio in the Middle East; and what plans have been made for television in this area.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerThe British Broadcasting Corporation's Eastern Services include transmissions for four hours a day in Arabic, one hour and 25 minutes a day in Persian and half an hour a day in Hebrew. The General Overseas Programme in English is broadcast to the world for 21 hours a day. The British Broadcasting Corporation also supply certain recorded programmes to local broadcasting stations in the area. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War also maintains certain broadcasting stations in the area for the entertainment of Her Majesty's Forces.
As for television, I understand that, at the British Trade Fair to be held in Bagdad this autumn, there is to be a display of British television equipment and receivers. There will be transmission of television programmes only during the period of the Fair. I am not aware of any other plans for television in the area.
§ Mr. GrimondWhile thanking the Minister for that answer. may I call attention to the fact that there is intensive broadcasting to these areas from other countries? Is there no prospect of any television in Britain's interest at all? Will he look into the matter and ensure that our broadcasts are maintained?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerWe will certainly look into the point raised in the second part of the hon. Gentleman's Question, but, on purely technical grounds, I think it most unlikely that there will be any television programme in that area from outside.