asked the Lord Privy Seal, as representing the Minister of Information, whether he will request the British Broadcasting Corporation to broadcast musical recordings on their usual wave-lengths throughout the night for the benefit of Civil Defence workers who are waiting at their posts.

This matter is being kept under review by the British Broadcasting Corporation in consultation with my noble Friend the Minister of Information but they do not feel that it has so far been established that the extension of hours which my hon. Friend suggests would, on the balance of considerations involved, be in the public interest.

Is my noble Friend aware of the real danger of boredom which arises in the case of people who have to keep awake all night in case of an emergency?

Yes, Sir, but I am afraid there would be a real danger of interfering with the sleep of the general population if music were played by loud speakers throughout the night.