§ 3. Mr. Rowlandasked the Postmaster-General why steps have not yet been taken against broadcasting stations 390 operating illegally within territorial waters.
§ Mr. RowlandIs my right hon. Friend aware that the continued failure of the Government, and of the previous Administration, to take action in this matter is strengthening a suspicion, which I hope is baseless, that these stations are only a prelude to the introduction of shore-based commercial radio financed by advertising?
§ Mr. BennThe second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question is entirely without foundation, but the legal issues here are complex, and legislation is in any case promised.
§ Mr. BryanWould it be uncharitable to suggest that the Postmaster-General has no particular wish to make any very firm announcement about this matter before an election?
§ Mr. BennNo, that would certainly not be so, although it is not without significance that the previous Government did nothing about it.