§ 11. Mr. C. R. Hobsonasked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many of the committees set up to deal with the problem of the emission of electromagnetic energy in relation to television interference have reported; and when he expects to be able to make the appropriate regulations under the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1949.
§ Mr. GammansTwo, Sir. Regulations will be laid before the House as soon as possible but I regret that I cannot give a date at present.
§ Mr. HobsonWill the Regulations which are to be made deal with the emission of electro-magnetic energy from petrol-driven motorcars?
§ Mr. GammansYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltCould my hon. Friend say whether it is a fact that these Regulations have been made out but have been referred back to the Advisory Committee? When does he expect the committee's views upon them? Is my hon. Friend aware that this is a matter on which we have been trying to get some answer in this House from both him and the hon. Member for Keighley (Mr. Hobson), who asked the Question, for some years?
§ Mr. GammansThe point is, as I explained last week, that the Advisory Committee have asked that the Regulations should be submitted to them. The reason for the delay in making these Regulations is the difficulty of defining a precise method of determining the degree of interference. I can assure both the hon. Member for Keighley (Mr. Hobson) and my hon. Friend that I hope there will be no undue delay in bringing them before the House.
§ 18. Mr. William Palingasked the Assistant Postmaster-General what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, and when, to eliminate interference with television reception by power-driven boats.
§ Mr. GammansThe regulation dealing with power-driven boats will be the same one as that relating to new motorcars. My noble Friend has agreed that the 2719 Advisory Committee shall be consulted on the terms of the regulation, and when this has been done it will be laid before the House.
§ Mr. PalingIs the hon. Gentleman aware that people living in the vicinity of the area in which power boats are in action allege that the interference is much worse than that from any other form of electrical vehicle or other type of vehicle? Is he aware that these people are very annoyed because their pictures are suffering through very serious interference? I hope he will take note of this.
§ Mr. GammansI can assure the House that we should very much like to get this matter settled as quickly as we can. I know there is a lot of misgiving about it.