HL Deb 20 February 1962 vol 237 cc649-50

2.37 p.m.

LORD MONTAGU OF BEAULIEU

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in view of the success of the British Broadcasting Corporation's special bulletins to motorists on Monday, February 5, 1962, they will now encourage the regular broadcasting on sound radio of advice to motorists with regard to the traffic and weather conditions to be expected en route.]

LORD ST. OSWALD

My Lords, I should like to remind my noble friend that here, as elsewhere, the programme content is a matter for the B.B.C. I understand, however, from the Corporation that they have been studying for some time the possibility of the type of broadcast which my noble friend refers to, in consultation with the various authorities upon whom they would depend for the supply of information.

LORD AMULREE

My Lords, is it not a fact that this type of broadcast is carried out regularly in the United States of America, and possibly some other countries? That being so, would it not be very simple for the B.B.C. to come to their conclusions?

LORD ST. OSWALD

My Lords, how simple it is I do not know, but I can assure the noble Lord that they are studying the matter and hope to overcome what difficulties, if any, remain.

LORD AMULREE

My Lords, are these broadcasts being carried out in the United States?

LORD ST. OSWALD

I believe they are, my Lords, but I have no direct information on that.

LORD MONTAGU OF BEAULIEU

My Lords, while recognising the authority of the B.B.C. in these matters, could the noble Lord, speaking on behalf of the Government say whether or not the Government encourage these broadcasts?

LORD ST. OSWALD

My Lords, I am perfectly certain that the views of your Lordships' House which have been expressed to-day will be read by the B.B.C., and that they will have an influence upon their deliberations.

THE EARL OF GOSFORD

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that the American Forces Network make daily broadcasts concerning the condition of the roads for practically the whole of Europe, including those in the United Kingdom?

LORD ST. OSWALD

I am afraid I was not aware of that fact.