7. Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennettasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what has been the result of his discussions regarding the restoration of weather broadcasts from air meteorological stations.
§ Mr. BeswickI presume the hon. Member refers to the airmet service which, until 15th March, was transmitted on 1210 metres. Alternative means of continuing this service are being investigated, but it may take some little time to reach a satisfactory solution of this problem which is rendered difficult by the heavy demands for wavelengths from more essential services.
Surgeon Lieut.-Commander BennettIs the Minister aware that there is a continuing danger to life so long as it is impossible to transmit this service?
§ Mr. BeswickNo, I would not admit that. The information which was originally broadcast to civil air pilots is now available to those pilots through other services. I agree, however, that it would be appreciated by many people if we could restart them, and an effort will be made to do so.
§ Captain John CrowderWill the hon. Gentleman consider this matter again most carefully? Can he give an undertaking that a wavelength will be used which can be received on ordinary receiving sets, because this information is of great use both to agriculturists and fishermen who cannot rely on the B.B.C. and who want the special airmet broadcasts to continue?
§ Mr. BeswickThe hon. and gallant Member will realise that it is not within the responsibility of the Ministry of Civil Aviation to allocate wavelengths. International interests are involved. As far as we are concerned, we should very much like to secure an appropriate wavelength.
Surgeon Lieut.-Commander BennettCan the hon. Gentleman say why arrangements were not made, before the reshuffle of wavelengths, for this service to be broadcast on another wavelength?
§ Mr. BeswickSimply because it was impossible to select a wavelength to which other countries would agree.