§ 83. Mr. J. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, since May last, the British authorities in Austria have taken over the only long-range broadcasting station in Austria outside Russian control, at Graz-Dobl, for the purpose of foreign-language propaganda broadcasts to Eastern Europe, to the extent of 68½ hours per week, as against 17½ previously, and against the 15½ hours during which the Russians occupy the Vienna station for such broadcasts; and whether he will take note of the indignation this action has created amongst Austrians, and ensure that early steps are taken to return to them their broadcasting facilities at this station.
§ Mr. MayhewAs my right hon. Friend indicated in a reply to a question from the hon. Member for Finsbury (Mr. Platts-Mills) the transmitter as former German property is under direct control of the British Occupation Authorities and has never been Austrian property. Our use of it does not affect normal Austrian broadcasting, which is adequately provided for by other stations. In fact the design of Graz-Dobl makes it more suitable for long-distance rather than local transmissions. We consider that its importance in relaying B.B.C. foreign language broadcasts is such as to warrant our retention of its use for the time being. The position will of course be reviewed in the event of the Austrian Treaty being signed.