Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Monday, 13 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 January 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 January 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has been made in erecting a radio mast in Lagopatria, north of Naples, to provide broadcasting services for the Armed Forces South British Services community.

Answer: Mr. Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in erecting a radio mast in Lagopatria, north of Naples, to provide broadcasting services for the Armed Forces South British Services community. [91215] Mr. Ingram: The Ministry of Defence is not currently seeking to erect a radio mast at Lagopatria (or any other location in the Naples area) to provide a British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) radio channel for United Kingdom personnel serving at HQ Allied Forces, South. The provision of such a facility is not currently assessed to be a high priority against other welfare needs or against the size of the service population who might benefit. The erection of such a mast could, in any event, only proceed with the prior approval of the Italian authorities, for both its construction and the use of a viable radio frequency. The Italian authorities have previously declined to grant the use of such a frequency.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 91215; 398 c209W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Access Armed forces Broadcasting Radio Italy British Forces Broadcasting Service
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk