HC Deb 25 March 1925 vol 182 cc428-9
61. Captain FRASER

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that a number of listeners to wireless programmes have much of their pleasure destroyed by interference; and if he will utilise a portion of the profit which he holds as a result of his Department's share of broadcast licence fees for the purpose of causing a full administrative and technical inquiry into all interference with broadcasting caused by service, commercial, and other transmissions, or electro-magnetic radiations of the frequencies used for broadcasting, and will cause such research as is necessary to be undertaken for the proper prosecution of such an inquiry?

The POSTMASTER - GENERAL (Sir William Mitchell-Thomson)

The question of interference with broadcast programmes has received and is still receiving close consideration, and much improvement has been effected as regards service and commercial transmissions. With regard to interference caused by electro-magnetic radiations, I am always willing, when complaint is made, to give advice and to use such influence as I possess to secure an abatement of the nuisance. I do not think, however, that the time is ripe for such an inquiry as that suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Captain FRASER

Can my hon. Friend assure the House that he will not utilise any portion of these profits, which rightly belong to listeners, by way of reducing taxation?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

That is obviously a question which should be addressed to another Minister.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Would not the newly-formed Wireless League be an excellent body to take up this subject?