HC Deb 02 February 1955 vol 536 cc1069-70
20. Mr. Awbery

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is aware that neon signs attached to business premises, over which there are flats, interfere considerably with wireless reception by the tenants; and what steps are being taken to remove the cause of this complaint.

Mr. Gammans

Neon signs account for only 1 per cent. of the interference cases investigated by the Post Office. The trouble can usually be removed by cleaning and adjusting the neon signs, but it may require the fitting of suppressors. The question of making statutory regulations to cover this type of interference is being considered: cases are, however, taken up individually, and our experience is that the owners of the signs readily agree to put matters right. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind and will let me know the details, I will be glad to make inquiry.

Mr. Awbery

Would the Minister consider making it an offence for anyone to erect an electric sign on a building which would interfere with the wireless reception of anyone within the building?

Mr. Gammans

That is one of the things we are considering, but we do not want to make more offences than we need, especially as in this case only 1 per cent. of the interference complaints arise from neon signs and we generally find that we can put them right by a little advice.

Mr. Awbery

It is not offences but remedies that are wanted.

Mr. Woodburn

Will the hon. Gentleman consider asking his right hon. Friend who is responsible for town and country planning to make it a condition of consent for the erection of any sign that it be rendered innocuous as far as interference is concerned?

Mr. Gammans

I will look into that point and will put it to my right hon. Friend.

Back to