§ 4. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Postmaster-General what research his Department is carrying out into the development of single-channel communication systems which could pipe radio, television, and telephones into every home, and at the same time read the gas and electricity meters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterWe are studying the technical and other problems involved in such a scheme with a view to developing a system if it proves to be viable.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes my hon. Friend not agree that this single channel system is already in an advanced stage of development in several other countries? Is not the natural long-term development of Giro for the individual to be able to supply data for the computer from his home and ultimately receive computerised data in return?
§ Mr. SlaterThere may be a lot in what my hon. Friend says, and I do not disagree with him. But I must add that, at the moment, while we are engaged on research, we must await the conclusion of these studies.