asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if, in view of the reduced requirement of the Foreign Office for broadcasting channels, he will now allocate a channel for the broadcasting of meteorological information, along the lines of the former Airmet broadcasts.

The B.B.C. is not proposing to give up from its overseas services any wavelength suitable for reception in this country. If such a wavelength became available, the improvement of reception of the B.B.C. home programmes would have the first claim upon it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it was repeatedly stated that the only reason why such a channel could not be made available for this service was because of the requirements of the Foreign Office for their overseas service, and as that service has now been reduced can he make a channel available?

The Foreign Office services are being reduced, but the reduction is not such as to enable them to provide us with a wavelength.

Will my hon. Friend nevertheless give serious consideration to the early re-introduction of the Airmet service on this or some other wavelength?

We cannot do that without a wavelength.

Why not get one?

Is there any reason why the Third Programme wavelength should not in non-programme hours be available for this purpose?

If the hon. Gentleman cares to put down a Question, I will give him a specific answer to that point.