RADIO RELAY SHIP "VERONICA"

HC Deb 20 March 1961 vol 637 cc19-20

51 and 52. Mr. Darling

asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) what representations have been made to the Government of Guatemala on the registration of the radio relay ship "Veronica" in contravention of Article 5 of the Convention of the High Seas, 1958;

(2) whether he will inform the Netherlands Government that the radio-relay ship "Veronica", operating from Dutch ports, is violating regulations of the 1952 International Telecommunications Convention and the terms of the 1959 Convention.

Mr. Heath

The Guatemalan Government have assured us that the vessel is not of Guatemalan registration: it is not in fact clear what is the registration of the vessel. As regards the hon. Gentleman's second Question, Her Majesty's Government are in touch with the Netherlands Government, who share our concern about the operation of this vessel. I am informed that the "Veronica" has at no time been within Dutch territorial waters.

Mr. Darling

In thanking the Lord Privy Seal for that very helpful answer, may I ask whether he will keep an eye on this station, because if the British company, as I now gather, is going to operate commercial radio programmes from this ship to England, perhaps that will bring it within the purview of the right hon. Gentleman's Department and it may be that action will have to be taken under existing Conventions to stop the operation of these broadcasts.

Mr. Heath

As I indicated, it is rather difficult to obtain information at the moment about this vessel, but we will keep in touch with the Netherlands Government about it.

Dr. King

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman initiate international action about this? If it is allowed to continue there is no reason why the same thing should not happen in many cases, with the result that the ether would be absolutely jammed and broadcasting would be made worse than it is today.

Mr. Heath

There are existing conventions about this. The Convention on the High Seas is probably involved, and also the International Telecomunication Convention, 1952. We will see how these apply to this vessel.