HC Deb 25 January 1949 vol 460 cc823-4
Mr. Paling

I beg to move, in page 10, line 16, after "that," to insert "either (i)." It may be convenient if we also consider the next Amendment, in line 17.

These Amendments arise out of an Amendment moved by the Opposition during the Committee stage in which they objected to the powers taken in case of non-safety services. They argued that in cases of interference with ordinary household radio sets these words were much too strict and that they ought only to apply to cases in which safety was concerned. The Attorney-General promised that we would look into the matter to see if that could be effected. If a complaint is received that the use of an apparatus is likely to cause interference with wireless telegraphy, notice can be served, but in future that will be confined to cases in which safety is involved. The last words in the second Amendment will apply to non-safety cases: the use of the apparatus is likely to cause undue interference with any other wireless telegraphy and in fact has caused or is causing such interference. The Opposition asked for that and we think it reasonable.

Mr. Grimston

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for introducing these Amendments, which meet the point we raised on Committee stage.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendments made: In page 10, line 17, at end, insert: used for the purposes of any safety of life service or for any purpose on which the safety of any person or of any vessel, aircraft or vehicle may depend; or (ii) the use of the apparatus is likely to cause undue interference with any other wireless telegraphy and in fact has caused or is causing such interference.

In page 11, line 33, after "tribunal." insert: of a direction under this subsection.

In line 34, leave out "section," and insert "subsection."—[Mr. Paling.]

Mr. Hobson

I beg to move, in page 12, line 6, at the end, to insert: "unless the parties otherwise agree."

I suggest that it would be convenient also to take into consideration the Amendment in line 9. Here again we are trying to meet the wishes of the Opposition. On the Committee stage it was pointed out that as the Bill stood hardship might be caused to the appellant because the tribunal might be meeting at some distance from his home.

Amendment agreed to.

Amendment proposed: In line 9, at end, insert: and in some place which in the judgment of the tribunal is reasonably near to the place where the apparatus was as aforesaid."—[Mr. Hobson.]

Mr. C. Williams

We very much appreciate what has been done by our Front Bench to secure these Amendments from the Government. The Bill was originally very harsh in many ways. There was general complaint all over the House, and the only people who have been able to do anything—and I congratulate the Government on having accepted their advice—are once again the Tory Party, who have again had to look after the small people.

Amendment agreed to.