HC Deb 27 July 1955 vol 544 cc1178-9
47. Mr. Osborne

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty in view of the further interference to local television reception caused by the New Waltham Naval Wireless Telegraphy Station, if he will have an investigation made of the new frequencies introduced at this station since 1st July, 1955.

Commander Noble

Yes, Sir. The new frequencies are in accordance with international radio regulations. The Admiralty will, however, continue to make every effort to prevent interference with local television reception. A scientific officer visited the station last week and has made some suggestions which I hope will alleviate the interference.

A fuller investigation will take some time but will be carried out as soon as possible. Meanwhile all possible steps are being taken to reduce the interference, although some interruption to Admiralty communications is involved.

Mr. Osborne

May I thank my hon. and gallant Friend for sending an officer there to investigate. Is he aware that the interference is still continuing? If it develops again, will he give the local officer at the station the authority to receive complaints from local constituents, and so help to minimise the difficulty?

Commander Noble

As my hon. Friend will realise, this is a very difficult technical problem, which we are doing all we can to solve. I will certainly go into the point which he has raised about local complaints.