HC Deb 24 March 1959 vol 602 cc1099-100
9. Mr. Farey-Jones

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what help has been given by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to overcome the recurrent difficulties in world-wide radio communication.

Mr. H. Nicholls

The Radio Research Station of the Department provides forecasts of the most suitable radio wavelengths to be used for long-distance communication for several months in advance. These forecasts are extensively used by telecommunication operating agencies, both civil and military, in this country and overseas.

Mr. Farey-Jones

In view of the urgent—I underline "urgent"ߞtechnical importance of the solution of these recurring problems, will my hon. Friend lay particular emphasis upon the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research tackling this problem and settling it at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. Nicholls

Yes, Sir. The Department understands the importance of this matter. As my hon. Friend, who knows much more about it than I, will know, special knowledge is required of the ionosphere, and the Department is better equipped than anyone else in the country to provide that information.