3. Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennettasked the Postmaster-General what progress has been achieved towards the restitution of the Airmet system of broadcasts.
§ 12. Mr. Bishopasked the Postmaster-General if he will now make a further statement about the possibility of restoring the Airmet broadcast service.
§ 14. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the continued disappointment amongst farmers, fishermen, airmen and civil engineers by the suspension of the Airmet broadcasts; and what plans he has in hand for restoring this service.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI am aware that the Airmet service was of value to various sections of the community who are anxious to see the facilities restored. I regret, however, that as stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Profumo) on 18th October, it has not been found practicable to make any broadcasting frequency available for the restoration of the Airmet service.
1701 The possibility of improving the weather information available to the public is being considered in conjunction with other departments and the B.B.C., and I understand that some amplification of the B.B.C. weather forecasts will be introduced shortly.
Surgeon Lieut.-Commander BennettIn view of the need for more frequent weather bulletins, has the right hon. Gentleman considered either the possibility of getting a wave-length on, say, the 49 metre band or, in view of infringement of the agreement by Russia, of using some of the Russian wavelengths?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe new weather broadcast will commence next Sunday, and I should like hon. Members to consider the result of that. Perhaps they might raise the matter again if it is not satisfactory.