HC Deb 28 June 1928 vol 219 cc700-1
55. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Postmaster-General whether the recommendations passed at the Conference of Radio Experts at Washington last year on the matter of broadcasting, including the recommendation to prohibit the use of spark transmitters, have been considered by his Department; and, if so, what action it is proposed to take?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Viscount Wolmer)

The International Radiotelegraph Regulations drawn up at the Washington Conference last year provide for a gradual reduction in the use of the spark system. Under these Regulations no new land station may be established on the spark system, and the use of spark transmitters by land stations is to be discontinued entirely by the end of 1934. The Regulations permit the use of spark transmitters on ships, although after the end of 1929 no new spark transmitter may be installed of higher power than 300 watts, and after the end of 1939 no spark transmitter of higher power than 300 watts may be used on a ship. The new Regulations will be applied in this country, and a start has already been made in the work of converting British coast stations from the spark system to a different system.

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