§ 20. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the pirate radio ship "Radio Scotland" is operating off Troon, near Prestwick Airport, well within territorial waters; and if he will take action in this case.
§ Mr. Edward ShortAs the House knows, legislation to deal comprehensively with the pirate broadcasting stations around our shores will be introduced before the Summer Recess. I am 1439 sure that this will provide the most effective means of dealing with the problem although I do not rule out the possibility of action in the meantime against the stations within territorial limits.
§ Mr. JenkinsDoes my right hon. Friend recall that the International Telecommunication Convention of 1959 prohibited transmissions from on board ship? Although the Conservative Administration did nothing about this for so many years, will my right hon. Friend consider that in taking the action which he intends to take?
§ Mr. ShortI am pursuing this matter very actively. There is a legal complication concerning the Territorial Waters Order in Council made in 1964. However, I am becoming more hopeful that we can take some action ahead of the Royal Assent to the Bill.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the service rendered by these stations to people who like to hear this sort of music? What will he do about replacing this service?
§ Mr. ShortThese stations present a very squalid picture of which no hon. Member is proud. They are in breach of the law, and it is no use talking about lawlessness in our cities if we are prepared to allow this to take place on the high seas.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I give notice that I will seek leave to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
Later —
§ Mr. JenkinsOn a point of order. Is the hon. Member for Antrim, South (Sir Knox Cunningham) entitled to raise on the Adjournment a matter arising from a Question put down by an hon. Member on this side of the House?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe simple answer is, "yes