HC Deb 04 July 1956 vol 555 cc1316-7
29. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for Air on what date, and for what purpose, his Department acquired the land at Kingston Blount on which the United States Air Force has established a terminal of the new transatlantic ionosphere-scatter communication system.

Mr. Birch

This land was leased with effect from 28th February, 1955, for the purpose described in the hon. Member's Question.

Mr. de Freitas

Can the right hon. Gentleman help us in this matter? When it was known that there was the possibility of very great radio and television interference from this station, why was it set up on that spot, instead of in an isolated area?

Mr. Birch

It was set up on that spot because it was the only site from which it could operate. It has to have a very considerable space of flat land in a particular direction, and this was the only site that could be found.

Mr. de Freitas

Is the right hon. Gentleman sure that this is the only possible site? Will he not look at the matter again, and consider whether a great mistake has not been made?

Mr. Hay

Having regard to the Question which I put to the Assistant Postmaster-General on television reception, and since it is said that transmissions at the moment are in an experimental stage only, will the right hon. Gentleman not ask the United States authorities to close this station down until the matter is put right?

Mr. Birch

I think that all are doing their best. I realise the difficulty of putting this matter right but I do not despair of a solution being found.

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