§ 17. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make arrangements for the construction of a ship-borne radio transmitter for British overseas broadcasts in areas such as the Middle East.
§ Mr. William RodgersNo, Sir. Broadcasting on the high seas would be a breach of the International Telecommunication Convention 1965 to which this country is a party.
§ Mr. MartenThe Question does not relate to the high seas. Was it not quite clear during the Israeli-Arab conflict that B.B.C. broadcasts entirely failed to get through to the people of Cairo? Would the hon. Gentleman look at that again?
§ Mr. RodgersCertainly. I am prepared at all times to consider the way in which our overseas broadcasting can be most effective, but it is only fair to say, on all the evidence we have, that, even if there were not this problem, conventional broadcasting at sea is less practicable and more expensive than broadcasting in other ways.
§ Mr. Ian LloydCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is right that the ship-borne transmitters on our ships in the Bitter Lakes should be subjected to the restrictions being imposed on them by the parties to the conflict there?
§ Mr. RodgersWithout notice I cannot give a firm answer to that Question, which is different in its purpose from that which I have already answered.