§ Mr. Masonasked the Postmaster-General what steps he now intends to take to discourage the permanent establishment of pirate radio stations around the coastline.
§ Mr. BevinsI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 7th April. I do not think there is any more than I can add at the present. I am determined to take whatever action106W I can against the permanent establishment of pirate radio stations.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Postmaster-General what discussions he has had with other countries regarding the dangers and undesirability of pirate radio stations operating on the high seas; and to what extent co-operation is assured in efforts to stop their activities.
§ Mr. BevinsBroadcasting on the high seas is specifically forbidden by the International Radio Regulations, to which nearly all the countries of the world subscribe. We have co-operated with the International Telecommunications Union in reporting and publicising the measures taken by individual Members of the Union to implement this prohibition. As I informed the hon. Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Hocking) on 5th February, an Agreement on this subject is being considered by the Council of Europe. My officials have taken art active part in the framing of this Agreement and I expect that the text will be settled soon.