§ Mr. Rowlandasked the Secretary-of State for Defence if a radio transmitter called Radio 390 is operating from Red Sand Tower; if the equipment of this transmitter was installed with his permission; and what steps he will take to exercise control over Red Sand Tower in the future.
§ Mr. MulleyI understand that such a transmitter is operating from the fort but my permission for this has not been sought and would not be granted. There is no present or foreseeable defence purpose which would require me to exercise control over this fort.
§ Mr. Rowlandasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware that Port of London Authority officials are allowed to carry out their duties on Red Sand Tower, which is the property of his Department, only with the permission of the operators of a pirate broadcasting station caled Radio 390, and that previous to this permission being granted, Port of London Authority officials were denied access to Red Sand Tower by this broadcasting station; and if he will take steps to restore to officials of the Port of London Authority access to Red Sand Tower unrestricted by private individuals.
§ Mr. MulleyI know of one such incident. There is no current or foreseeable defence requirement for the fort and I do not consider that defence420W resources should be used to secure the objective my hon. Friend has in mind.