HC Deb 14 November 1961 vol 649 cc166-7
5. Mr. Edelman

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation when he expects to receive the Report of the Working Party on the development of the British Broadcasting Corporation's overseas broadcasting services.

Mr. Vosper

Shortly, Sir.

Mr. Edelman

Is not this Report much overdue, and, in view of the intensified jamming of British broadcasting services, is it not time that the matter of overseas facilities should be treated as one of considerable urgency?

Mr. Vosper

I would not say that this Report has been delayed. It is a fairly comprehensive survey, and when I said "shortly" to the hon. Member I really meant shortly. I hope to see the Report in the next few days.

Mr. Mayhew

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Report will be available and whether he will make a statement? Will the Minister say that it is intended to prevent Britain falling still further behind other countries in the amount of broadcasting?

Mr. Vosper

I shall want to see the Report first, and no doubt I shall want to discuss it with my right hon. Friends. I note what the right hon. Gentleman says about it.