British Broadcasting Corporation Broadcasts

HC Deb 14 December 1965 vol 722 cc232-3W

69. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what steps he is taking to improve the reception of British Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts in Southern Rhodesia; and how soon he expects such improvements to be made.

Mr. Bottomley

There is evidence that steps already taken to improve the audibility of the B.B.C.'s direct short-wave broadcasts have made a noticeable improvement. Our relay station in Bechuanaland, which will come into service very shortly and includes a medium-wave transmitter, will make these broadcasts even more easily audible to listeners.

73. Mr, Drayson

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will arrange for transcripts of all official Government broadcasts from Bechuanaland to Rhodesia to be placed in the House of Commons Library.

Mr. Bottomley

The broadcasts from the relay station in Bechuanaland will consist of B.B.C. programmes in the Corporation's World and African services. It is not contemplated that there will be any official Government broadcasts.