HC Deb 02 July 1956 vol 555 cc990-1
52. Sir D. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what sum of money is being spent on broadcasting in Arabic to the countries of the Middle East; how this sum compares with the amount spent two years ago; and which countries can pick up these broadcasts on medium wave receivers.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

The annual cost of preparing the programme and paying staff directly engaged on the British Broadcasting Corporation's Arabic Service has risen from £35,800 in 1954 to £50,800 in 1956. This excludes the cost of transmission and other common facilities which are shared by all the British Broadcasting Corporation's overseas services. The British Broadcasting Corporation's Arabic Service is broadcast on short wave only.

Sir D. Gammans

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that this is a reasonable sum of money, in view of the fact that we are fighting a cold war in the Near East which we appear to be losing, and does he realise that transmissions on short wave alone are completely useless as a propaganda method?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I am not satisfied, as my right hon. Friends have said before, about the amount we are spending, and this is under consideration at the moment. The question of short wave and medium wave is also being looked at, but as my hon. Friend knows better than I do, there are certain technical difficulties in the way of medium wave development.

Mr. Paget

Is there very much point in having a propaganda service until the Government have a policy to put over?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I am sure that if the hon. and learned Gentleman would listen, he would find that the Government certainly have a policy.

Dame Irene Ward

May I ask my hon. Friend why, if we are not satisfied, we do not take a decision to spend money in a way which will satisfy us? The delay is quite abnormal and most unnecessary and unsatisfactory.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

We are getting on with it. I only hope that my hon. Friend will be satisfied.