49. Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewingasked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the increasing number of unauthorised British and foreign broadcasting stations and armed 1956 services transmissions now taking place in frequency bands reserved by international agreement for amateur radio; what action he is taking in respect of United Kingdom transmissions; and to what foreign administrations have protests been made about the breaking of this international agreement.
§ Mr. GammansOn the few occasions when an unauthorised British station is detected in the amateur bands, steps are taken to try and locate it, but there is no evidence of any large increase in unauthorised stations either in this country or from abroad. The problem of interference caused by broadcasts from abroad is difficult to deal with, but protests have been sent to Spain, Greece and Iraq. Possibly my hon. Friend is referring to authorised stations which are allowed to operate in bands used by amateurs. There are 14 such in the 7 m/c. band. If my hon. Friend has any particular points in mind, I shall be glad to make inquiry.
Mr. Orr-EwingWould my hon. Friend draw the attention of the Commonwealth signals officers who are meeting in this country at present to the desirability of keeping the reserve amateur bands free?