§ 58. Mr. THURTLEasked the Postmaster-General why his invitation to witness a demonstration of the Baird television system in the near future is limited to a certain number of hon. Members only; if he will consider extending these invitations to other hon. Members; and if any experts in television, other than those 206 interested in the Baird system, are to be present at the demonstration?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe demonstration to which the hon. Member refers took place to-day, and was witnessed by a few hon. Members of all parties, in addition to representatives of the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Baird Company. It was necessary to restrict the number present to a minimum, because at present the nature of the apparatus makes it impossible for more than a few persons to witness the experiment simultaneously.
§ Mr. THURTLEWill the Postmaster-General reply to the last part of my question as to whether "any experts in television, other than those interested in the Baird system, are to be present at the demonstration?"
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe only expert present at the Post Office demonstration who comes within that category that I can remember was Professor Fleming.
§ Mr. THURTLEWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is a widespread impression that the whole system will not stand examination and that there is a great speculation going on in regard to this company on the Stock Exchange; and will he see that his Department does not lend itself to any of these marketing operations?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThere are a great many reasons why we should not make any representations on this question, but all relevant facts will be taken into consideration.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it not a fact that the demonstration took place this morning on the understanding that on no side should any information be given to the Press?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThat is so.