Meteorological Broadcasts

20.

Mr. F. Beswick
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.

Mr. Gammans
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.

Mr. Beswick
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?

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

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

Mr. Gammans
We cannot do that without a wavelength.

Mr. Erroll
Why not get one?

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

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