HC Deb 08 July 1977 vol 934 cc701-2W
Mr. MacFarquhar

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will authorise repair of the aerials of the relay station on Masirah to commence in order to restore BBC medium-wave broadcasts to south and west Asia; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luard

The radio relay station on Masirah Island (Oman) was severely damaged by a hurricane on 13th June.

Following a survey of the damage, it is estimated that the cost of rebuilding the station, including essential residential accommodation as well as aerials and technical buildings, will be about £2–2 million. My right hon. Friend's Department is having urgent discussions about this. We attach great importance to medium-wave broadcasts to the area served by the relay. But it is likely to be some months before the transmission from Masirah can be resumed.