§ Mr. Masonasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the experiments of the International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation of the United States of America in speeding up global mails by using an electronic mail delivery system which can be immediately coupled to satellite transmission; to what extent Post Office engineers are conducting research into this technique; and what progress Her Majesty's Government are making towards a satellite communications system.
§ Mr. BevinsI am aware of the experiments in the United States in the transmission of facsimile copies of letters over telephone circuits and of the claims that this system might eventually be used for transmitting global mails via satellites. My officers are closely studying the possibilities in the field of satellite communications and are keeping in touch with other countries. Technical investigation of the design of communication satellites and of the equipment that would be needed at ground stations is in train. A technical mission has recently returned from a visit to the United States, and I am hopeful that before very long it will be possible to arrange certain experiments in which the United Kingdom will fake part.