Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction which exists amongst wireless amateurs at the existing restrictions which prohibit messages being transmitted abroad; and will he revise the existing rules with a view to removing all restrictions which are an obstruction to free experiment and research?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNIt is the present practice to grant permission forbona fide experiments with places abroad when special application is made. Many such permits have already been issued, and arrangements are being made with the radio societies for the grant of increased facilities for experiments which will be carried out by their members in co-operation with amateurs in the United States and many other countries. The general conditions governing the grant of licences for wireless transmission were adopted after consultation with the other interests concerned, including the radio societies. Some restrictions are necessary in order to prevent interference with other services, but I am at all times prepared to consider any definite suggestions which the radio societies may put forward for altering the rules.