§ 20. Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTasked the Postmaster-General whether he can make a further statement as to steps taken to prevent interference with broadcasting and listening-in caused by electrically-controlled trolley-omnibuses and tramcars?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Kingsley Wood)As my hon. and learned Friend is aware, I have no statutory power to insist on the fitting of remedial devices on trolley-omnibuses and tramcars, but all complaints of electrical interference with broadcast reception are investigated by the Post Office and the results are placed before the tramway or other authority concerned. In general, I am glad to say that I find them willing to undertake the necessary modification of their plant.
§ Mr. KNIGHTIs my right hon. Friend aware that in certain cities and towns there is widespread complaint about this matter; and will he call the attention of the local transport authorities to the inexpensive contrivance which is available to obviate interference?
Captain ARTHUR EVANSHas the right hon. Gentleman received from the British Broadcasting Corporation a re- 242 quest to introduce legislation to deal with this matter?
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the tramcar was there first, and that therefore the other people ought to pay for this installation?
§ Sir K. WOODIn a large number of cases the tramcar was not there first. I can assure my hon. and learned Friend the Member for South Nottingham (Mr. Knight) that I am ready and willing to do anything I can to mitigate this interference, and, if he has any particular cases in mind, I shall be happy to consider them.