HC Deb 17 May 1962 vol 659 cc148-9W
Mr. Mason

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that for the past two months illegal broadcasts have been sent at the termination of British Broadcasting Corporation television programmes; whether his engineers have been alerted to track down these transmissions; and what steps he is taking to stop this use of the wavelength.

Mr. Bevins

I am aware that these illegal broadcasts have been taking place from time to time over the past few years. My engineers are under instruction to track down these transmissions and their efforts to do so are continuing. But there are severe practical difficulties about tracking down a transmitter which operates intermittently and at varying locations.

Mr. Mason

asked the Postmaster-General to what extent illegal broadcasting has been taking place from off-shore transmitting stations; and whether he is taking steps to curb this practice.

Mr. Bevins

No such transmissions have yet taken place from stations off the shores of the United Kingdom. I am, however, aware of the reason for the hon. Gentleman's Question and I am watching the position closely.