HC Deb 06 February 1967 vol 740 cc212-3W
76. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what retrenchment has been made, and is proposed, in the overseas broadcasts of the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Mr. William Rodgers

There is expected to be a net increase of the British Broadcasting Corporation's overseas broadcasts in the next financial year. The Rapp Report did not propose new programmes but stressed the need to improve the British Broadcasting Corporation's audibility overseas. The modernisation of transmitters in the United Kingdom is going ahead, the Ascension Island relay is coming into operation shortly, and work has begun on construction of a relay station at Masirah Island in the Persian Gulf. We hope to undertake other work as soon as possible.

Mr. A. Royle

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will reconsider his decision to instruct the British Broadcasting Corporation to curtail overseas broadcasts; what progress is being made with implementing the Rapp plan for new programmes overseas; and why he has instructed the British Broadcasting Corporation to cancel their Albanian service.

Mr. William Rodgers

There is expected to be a net increase of the British Broadcasting Corporation's overseas broadcasts in the next financial year. The Rapp Report did not propose new programmes but stressed the need to improve the British Broadcasting Corporation's audibility overseas. The modernisation of transmitters in the United Kingdom is going ahead, the Ascension Island relay is coming into operation shortly, and work has begun on construction of a relay station at Masirah Island in the Persian Gulf. We hope to undertake other work as soon as possible.

On the Albanian Service I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Bury St. Edmunds on 20th January.—[Vol. 739, c. 161.]