HC Deb 23 November 1967 vol 754 cc1478-9
33. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Postmaster-General how many pirate radios are still broadcasting to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Edward Short

There are two pirate stations still broadcasting off our shores out of the ten that were operating at the beginning of the year. The question of taking action against those concerned with these two stations for possible breaches of the Marine etc. Broadcasting (Offences) Act is not a matter for me, but I understand that on this point the hon. Member has a Question down next week for answer by my right hon. Friend the Attorney-General.

Mr. Mills

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it would appear that Radio Caroline, in particular, is flourishing? Does not he recall that when the Act was going through Parliament earlier this year he assured the House that it would be satisfactory to deal with the pirates? Would he now give an explanation?

Mr. Short

I am sure that the party of law and order delights in the fact that Radio Caroline appears to be flourishing, but the hon. Gentleman will have noticed that the French Parliament recently ratified the European Agreement, the Irish Parliament is in process of doing so and we have no doubt that the Dutch Parliament will do so very shortly.