HC Deb 11 May 1967 vol 746 cc1685-6
29. Mr. Faulds

asked the Postmaster-General if he will introduce legislation to prevent intervention by illegal radio stations in local or national elections.

Mr. Short

No, Sir. I already have power to proceed against persons who broadcast illegally within this country, and legislation to suppress unauthorised offshore broadcasting stations has already been introduced.

Mr. Faulds

May I point out how unsatisfactory——

Hon. Members

No.

Mr. Faulds

Does my right hon. Friend realise how unsatisfactory that Answer is, because an illegal political broadcast was made last Saturday on Radio 270 by the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall)?

Hon. Members

Oh.

Mr. Faulds

In view of this, would my right hon. Friend take steps to have the result of the York municipal elections today declared invalid?

Mr. Speaker

Order. It would be best if hon. Gentlemen made broad political criticisms rather than individual personal ones.

Mr. Short

That part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question is one for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. I do not underestimate the seriousness of this situation. I hope that no one will underestimate the seriousness and un-wholesomeness of this situation. It is the first time in peacetime that this country has been subjected to a stream of misleading propoganda from outside our territorial waters. I do not think that it is a matter for joking. I think that it is an extremely serious matter. I hope that hon. Members who have been dragging their feet about closing down these stations will cease to do so from now on.

Mr. Faulds

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I should like to make it quite clear to the House that I have given notice to the hon. Member for Haltemprice. I am hardly responsible for his nonappearance.

Hon. Members

Where is he?

Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mr. Iremonger

Will the right hon. Gentleman come and explain this very important matter in Trafalgar Square on Saturday afternoon?

Mr. Short

I do not know what is going to happen in Trafalgar Square on Saturday afternoon, but I explain this matter wherever I go and I am prepared to stand up for this wherever I go. If the hon. Gentleman or any of his hon. Friends take any pride in this development, they are not very good friends of democracy. That is all I can say.