§ 20. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what steps have been taken to ensure the security of the recently constructed radio transmitter in Bechuanaland.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesBecause of the limited resources of the Bechuanaland police, it was arranged that the battalion of the Gloucestershire Régiment in Swaziland should provide a detachment of troops for guard purposes. Routine precautions such as the provision of security fencing etc. have, of course, also been taken.
§ Mr. HamiltonWhy was it thought necessary to take those steps in the first instance? Do the Bechuanaland Government approve of and support these steps? Is the transmitter doing the job for which it was established in the first instance?
§ Mr. HughesThe troops sent to Francistown are there purely for the purpose of guard duties at the relay station and for no other purpose. They were sent there with the full agreement of the Prime Minister of Bechuanaland, Mr. Seretse Khama.
§ Mr. Evelyn KingIs the Minister of State aware, as I am from personal experience of trying to listen to it, that this radio is totally inaudible and is a complete waste of money?
§ Mr. HughesMy right hon. Friend will be answering a Question on that point shortly.