§ 6. Mr. Hobsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when a medium-wave broadcasting station will be installed in Cyprus for the purpose of broadcasting British views to the Near East.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerConsideration has been given to the installation of a medium wave station for the British Broadcasting Corporation in Cyprus. Apart from the question of cost, however, Cyprus lies within the area of the Copenhagen Plan of 1948 for regulating the allocation to European broadcasting stations of medium wave frequencies, and it would be difficult for the British Broadcasting Corporation to transmit from Cyprus without infringing this Plan, to which Her Majesty's Government are signatories.
§ Mr. HobsonIn view of that, would the hon. Gentleman consult the Postmaster-General with a view to having the Copenhagen Plan reviewed in the light of present-day requirements? There cannot possibly be a question of jamming from a station in that area— the distances are too great.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerI shall certainly look into that.
§ Dame Irene WardMay I ask my hon. Friend how long consideration is going to last? Is not this rather a matter of urgency?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerI can assure the hon. Lady that we are giving all these matters close attention all the time.
Mr. DugdaleCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the same considerations apply to the establishment of a station at Aden and whether that might not be done?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerThat is another question.