§ 50. Mr. Russell Kerrasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will make a statement on the activities of the pirate ship 'Mebo II' broadcasting to parts of eastern England; and what action he intends to take.
§ 40. Mr. Ashtonasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will make a further statement on the pirate radio broadcasting from the 'Mebo' in the North Sea; and what action he is taking to stop it.
§ Mr. StonehouseI have passed the information in my possession to the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the House would not, therefore, wish me to comment further on this matter.
§ Mr. KerrIs my right hon. Friend aware that endeavours in this regard will be welcomed not only by the International Telecommunications Union but also by all who get their living from the sea?
§ Mr. StonehouseWe are very concerned about the use of frequencies that interfere with those reserved for shipping.
§ Mr. LubbockBut is the ship not operating in Dutch waters off the Continental Shelf? How, therefore, can the Director of Public Prosecutions take action against those concerned? Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the Dutch authorities to see whether he can obtain their co-operation?
§ Mr. StonehouseIt would be unwise of me to anticipate the steps the D.P.P. pursues.