24. Mr. Charles Ian Orr-Ewingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of recent developments in the United States of America regarding the use of radio amateurs in connection with Civil Defence communications; and whether he will give an assurance that the potential value of radio amateurs in this country for similar purposes is not being overlooked.
§ Mr. de FreitasYes, Sir.
Mr. Orr-EwingWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that among the 14,000 amateurs there are many with war-time experience who, at little or no cost to the country, have played a most valuable part in providing communications without calling upon the technical manpower which is needed for other purposes?
§ Mr. de FreitasI recognise that. This question, of course, refers to the United States, where geographical conditions are very different from those prevailing here.