HC Deb 01 February 1934 vol 285 cc567-8W
Mr. HANLEY

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the broadcasting stations at the Eiffel Tower and Luxemburg have failed to comply with the Lucerne wave-length plan; if he has addressed protests to the Governments concerned; and what replies he has received?

Sir E. BENNETT

I am aware that the Eiffel Tower and Luxemburg broadcasting stations are using wave-lengths which are not allotted to them in the Lucerne Plan. Representations have been made to the French Administration as regards the Eiffel Tower, but although a slight change has been made, in order to avoid interference with Daventry, the Eiffel Tower station is still using a wavelength to which it is not entitled under the Lucerne Plan; and my right hon. Friend is still in communication with the French Administration on the subject. The Luxemburg Government refused to sign the Lucerne Convention; and its insistence on using a long wave-length, contrary to the provisions of the Lucerne Plan, is causing difficulty in several countries. The position is under consideration by my Department in consultation with the British Broadcasting Corporation, but my right hon. Friend has not yet made representations to the Luxemburg Administration on the subject.