§ 53. Mr. Dayasked the Postmaster- General what is the average general cost to the Post Office of assisting owners of wireless sets in obtaining reception free from interference; and whether his Department is considering the question of introducing legislation for the purpose of compulsorily preventing this nuisance?
§ The Assistant Postmaster-General (Sir Walter Womersley)The annual cost to the Post Office of assisting owners of wireless sets to obtain broadcast reception free from interference is of the order of£95,000. With regard to the second part of the question, I can only repeat what I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Moss Side (Mr. Duckworth) on 6th March last that inquiries regarding the possible scope and operation of a new Wireless Telegraphy Bill to deal, inter alia, with the question of electrical interference with wireless reception are being actively pursued. The problem is, however, one of great complexity, involving consultation with many commercial and other interests which would be affected; and I regret that I cannot give any assurance that it will be possible to introduce a Bill during the current Session.
§ Mr. DayCan the Minister say whether the Committee, on which there are members of the Post Office and of the British Broadcasting Corporation, is still sitting?
§ Sir W. WomersleyYes, it is sitting and it has made a report, but many other interests have to be consulted. I am sure that my hon. Friend will sympathise with me when I say that we could not bring a Bill to the House before getting the consent of most of the parties concerned, because hon. Members would probably raise objections.