§ 2.35 p.m.
§ LORD TAYLORMy 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 when it is anticipated that the medium-wave transmitter on Ascension Island for the B.B.C's Overseas Service, referred to in the debate in this House on March 26, 1963, is likely to be in operation.]
§ THR MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF DUNDEE)My Lords, I welcome this opportunity to make clear the Government's intentions in this matter, following what I said in the debate on March 26. Her Majesty's Government have recognised the value of medium-wave transmissions, and test transmissions are at present being carried out on these wavelengths from Ascension Island in order that an assessment can be made of the coverage which could be obtained from that site. The results of these tests must be awaited before any further decisions are taken. Meanwhile, we are much further ahead with our plan to install a shortwave station on Ascension Island, which should take about two and a half years to complete.
§ LORD TAYLORMy Lords, I thank the noble Earl for that Answer, but I recollect his saying to me in his speech, "when the Ascension Island station is working", not "if it were working". He was categorical about it; and I asked him categorically whether he was referring to the medium-wave, and he replied, "Yes". Am I to understand, in fact, that the Government have not decided yet to have a medium-wave or long-wave transmitter there?
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEYes, my Lords. The object of the exercise is to establish a medium-wave transmitter on Ascension Island, and I certainly hope that will be done. But, meanwhile, there are certain further tests which must be made before any decision on it is taken, which I was not aware of when I made my reply to the noble Lord, and I am as hopeful as he is that all will be well.
§ LORD TAYLORMy Lords, I thank the noble Earl. May I take it then, that if the tests are satisfactory the money with be forthcoming for the station?
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEECertainly. So far as it is concerned with me, yes.