§ Nick HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans his Department has made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first successful wireless transmission across the Atlantic ocean to the Americas. [8714]
§ Mr. Alexander[holding answer 23 October 2001]: There are a number of celebratory events planned to commemorate the sending of the first transatlantic wireless transmission that was made on 12 December 1901 from Poldhu in Cornwall to St. John's in Newfoundland, by Guglielmo Marconi. The Government fully back these events, and have been in regular contact with those involved to assist with the arrangements. We have been instrumental in securing agreement from Her 251W Majesty The Queen that she will send a commemorative message, which will be transmitted by amateur radio between Poldhu and St. John's on 12 December using equipment donated by the Radiocommunications Agency. The Radiocommunications Agency has also produced a booklet, "100 Years of Radio 1901–2001", commemorating the achievement, highlighting developments in radio during the subsequent 100 years, including the agency's contribution to those developments.