HL Deb 26 November 1985 vol 468 cc789-91

2.45 p.m.

Lord Campbell of Croy

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

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the present situation regarding unauthorised broadcasting stations operating from vessels at sea near the British coastline.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, until recently two unauthorised marine broadcasting stations, Laser 558 and Radio Caroline, were operating from Panamanian-registered vessels anchored in international waters off the British coast. On 5th November Laser 558 ceased broadcasting because of generator difficulties, and on 6th November the MV "Communicator", on which the station was situated, sailed into Harwich. Radio Caroline continues to broadcast.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for that reply. Have any charges yet been brought against anyone in connection with the station known as Laser 558 since the vessel on which the station was situated was escorted into Harwich by a DTI patrol vessel?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, since the Laser 558 vessel was escorted into Harwich it has been detained under a writ served by the Admiralty Marshal and an injunction served in connection with private claims against the shipowners. The vessel is also being detained by Department of Transport marine surveyors because of deficiencies in its equipment. In addition to that there are further deficiencies which give cause for concern to the Government of Panama. The Government have no power to detain the vessel in Harwich because of its illegal broadcasting as it was in international waters when broadcasting illegally.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, have the Government any evidence that any of the pirate radio stations have been responsible for serious or even dangerous interference with frequencies allotted for legitimate uses?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

Indeed, my Lords, that is quite correct. Broadcasts from these vessels have interfered with aeronautical beacons in the southern North Sea which are used by helicopter pilots in their work in servicing oil installations. They have been rendered non-operational. An international calling and distress frequency on North Foreland Radio was on one occasion completely blocked out. Furthermore, the stations have also interfered with the reception of authorised broadcasting stations in West Germany and the Republic of Ireland which use the same frequency. In addition, they have meant that it has not been possible to bring in the planned frequency for BBC Radio Essex.

Lord Bruce of Donington

But, my Lords, if the particular station to which the noble Lord has referred has been operated illegally it would seem to imply that somebody, some state somewhere, ought to be able to enforce the law. Would the noble Lord enlighten us a little more on the point of where a station is operating out of territorial waters and is conducting an operation which if it were within territorial waters would be illegal? How does one propose to rectify the position, either in concert with one's friends in the immediate states or otherwise?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, we are discussing the question with representatives of the Panamanian Government. That is the flag state under which the vessel is registered. I can say no more about that at present. However, I would point out that it is an offence either to supply the vessel or to advertise on the radio. We have a vessel stationed alongside at the moment which is basically taking down the name and number of any vessel which supplies Radio Caroline. Since 19th August vessels have been spotted doing this. A prosecution is in hand in respect of one of them. Fourteen others are being investigated by the police. In respect of four others, which were foreign vessels, we have been in touch with the states from which they came.

Lord Bruce of Donington

But, my Lords, if it is illegal to advertise via the medium of this apparently illegally operating vessel, what action is being taken against British interests, British firms, within our own jurisdiction that have in fact been using it as an advertising medium?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, the Metropolitan Police are in touch with the Director of Public Prosecutions about those who have advertised using the station.