B.B.C. SERVICES (EAST GERMAN INTERFERENCE) (Hansard, 13 July 1955)

§ 15. Mr. C. Hughes
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement concerning the approach made by Her Majesty's Government to the Soviet High Commissioner on 20th January, 1955, on the question of the interference of the East German broadcasting station with the British Broadcasting Station's Welsh, North of England and London Home Services.

16. Mr. Watkins
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a further statement as to representations he has made about the interference of the East German broadcasting station with the Welsh Regional station of the British Broadcasting Corporation.

§ Lord John Hope
The Soviet High Commissioner not having replied to the approach of 20th January, Her Majesty's Ambassador took the matter up with him personally on 20th May. The Soviet High Commissioner promised to look into the case. In a written reply on 24th May, the Soviet High Commissioner informed Her Majesty's Ambassador that the matter had been referred to what he called "the competent agencies of the German Democratic Republic."

§ Mr. Hughes
Is the Minister aware that there is still considerable interference with these home stations, and is it not the case that these wavelengths were allocated under the Copenhagen Agreement? Does he not think it advisable to consider calling another such conference to put an end to this chaotic state of affairs?

§ Lord John Hope
The position is not a satisfactory one, and anything that we can do we shall, of course, do.

Mr. Watkins
Will the Minister be kind enough to have a word with members of some of the delegations from that side who are at present in this country, and suggest that something should be done; or, at least, raise this matter in some committee of the United Nations?

§ Lord John Hope
The Soviet High Commissioner is the man who could put this right if he wanted to. We all hope that he will do so.

§ Mr. Callaghan
As the last contact was on 24th May, could not the Joint Under-Secretary get some fresh representations made, because the situation is not improving? If anything, it is getting worse.

§ Lord John Hope
We will certainly consider that.

§ Mr. Gower
Will the Joint Under-Secretary invite the Soviet High Commissioner to come here and hear the Welsh Home Service?

§ Lord John Hope
Perhaps my hon. Friend will give that invitation himself.