Oral Answers to Questions — Broadcasts (Foreign Languages).

– in the House of Commons am ar 6 Medi 1939.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Arthur Henderson Mr Arthur Henderson , Kingswinford

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has now been taken to arrange for short broadcasts in Hungarian, Jugo-Slavian and other Eastern European languages?

Photo of Mr R.A. Butler Mr R.A. Butler , Saffron Walden

I have been asked to reply. Broadcasts in Hungarian were begun by the British Broadcasting Corporation yesterday, 5th September. It is hoped that broadcasts in Polish will start during this week and in Serbo-Croatian, Rumanian and Greek as soon as is practically possible. Other languages are under consideration.

Photo of Mr Hugh Dalton Mr Hugh Dalton , Bishop Auckland

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why there has been even the degree of delay which he has indicated in performing this obvious and very necessary duty by the Foreign Office?

Photo of Mr R.A. Butler Mr R.A. Butler , Saffron Walden

I cannot accept the suggestion that there has been any avoidable delay, and I can assure the hon. Member that there will be no delay in this all-important task.

Photo of Mr Henry White Mr Henry White , Birkenhead East

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether broadcasts in Czech are under consideration?

Photo of Mr R.A. Butler Mr R.A. Butler , Saffron Walden

I have said that broadcasts in other languages are under consideration.

Photo of Sir Geoffrey Mander Sir Geoffrey Mander , Wolverhampton East

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of special broadcasts in German, addressed to Austria?