HC Deb 07 December 1966 vol 737 cc1327-8
24. Mr. Ian Gilmour

asked the Postmaster-General what effect Radio Albania is having on the reception of British Broadcasting Corporation sound broadcasts.

Mr. Edward Short

Radio Albania is causing severe interference after dark to the B.B.C. Light Programme broadcast on 247 metres from the Brookmans Park, Moorside Edge and Newcastle transmitters. It causes somewhat less interference to transmissions on 247 metres from other B.B.C. stations.

Mr. Gilmour

What steps is the hon. Gentleman taking to ensure that European transmissions do not interfere with broadcasts from this country?

Mr. Short

We are in a difficulty here, because we have no diplomatic relations with Albania. Any diplomatic approach must be made through the French Government. The Post Office has written to this station on the technical level, but so far we have not received a reply.

Mr. Rowland

Would my right hon. Friend say why he thinks that some hon. Members opposite are so concerned about interference by Radio Albania and are so little concerned with interference caused by pirate stations about which nine European stations have complaints?

Mr. Short

The Devil himself knoweth not the mind of the party opposite.