§ Mr. Wallaceasked the Postmaster-General if he has now reached a decision on the extension of Class B (Amateur) Transmitting Licences.
§ Mr. Edward ShortI am pleased to say that I have decided that the Amateur (Sound) Licence B can be extended to permit operation in the radio frequency band 144–146 Mc/s. I shall be issuing226W a Gazette Notice to give effect to this decision as soon as possible.
I have also decided to introduce a Beginners Licence, to encourage interest in radio by people not yet possessing the qualifications needed for a full Amateur Licence. The details of the availability of this new licence are still being worked out, but I expect to have it on issue by the Autumn of this year.