HC Deb 27 June 1951 vol 489 cc1354-5
10. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Postmaster-General whether, pending their final report, he will invite his Advisory Committee to advise him as to the terms of a draft regulation to require suppressors to be fitted to motor cars for the reduction of interference on television sets.

Mr. Ness Edwards

The Committee was set up for the express purpose of advising me on the requirements that might be prescribed in a regulation and I must await their report on that point.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this problem is quite unconnected with all the other problems due to interference, that this Committee was set up months—in fact, I think, years—ago, and will the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects this report and, in the absence of it, when he is going to do something to get this advice?

Mr. Ness Edwards

What I am able to do has been determined by the House, which decided that this was the method. The Committee has been set up and I understand it is now considering the terms of a draft report, and I hope to get it soon.

Mr. Langford-Holt

What part of the Act precludes the right hon. Gentleman from inviting the Committee to hasten their advice?

Mr. Ness Edwards

What I am prevented from doing is publishing regulations except on the authority of the Advisory Committee. This Advisory Committee is a highly technical body. They are now drafting their report and I think we should let them finish their work.