§ 79. Mr. HURDasked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the development of wireless telegraphy under private enterprise in the United States; whether he is aware that the number of wireless telephone receiving sets has increased in one year from 50,000 to 600,000, and the entire country has been plotted into circuits with a central station so that every rural and urban home may obtain, at a cost below that of an ordinary gramophone, weather forecasts and business information as to prices and market conditions as well as records of sermons, lectures, and entertainments; and whether he will endeavour to provide comparable facilities under the Post Office monopoly in this country?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI am aware that there has been a considerable increase in the number of private wireless installations in the United States, but I have no definite information as to the number of such installations, or as regards the arrangements for providing the facilities described by the hon. Member. I understand, however, that in consequence of the danger of interference with Government and commercial communications, the United States Government are considering the restriction of the use of wireless telephone for other purposes. Permission to use wireless receiving apparatus for experimental purposes is granted with comparative freedom in this country, the number of installations authorised being at present 7,500. The provision of facilities for broadcasting messages by wireless is under consideration.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINHow can you interfere with the Government wireless by means of a receiving set?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI can give one instance which occurred recently in the United States, where the Australian and New Zealand Governments have both complained that their communications were interfered with by an amateur in California trying to wireless a local concert.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINThat was not an amateur receiving set.