Written Answers
Broadcasting (Electrical Interference)
asked the Postmaster-General how many complaints have been received during the last five years of interference with broadcast reception arising from tramways, trolly omnibuses, or other electrical plant and apparatus?
No complete record of the number of complaints of electrical interference with broadcast reception is available before October, 1931. During the six months ended 31st March, 1932, the number of such complaints was 7,114; and during the 12 months ended 31st March, 1933, the number was 20,624.
asked the Postmaster-General the total amount spent during the past five years by his Department upon research into remedial measures against interference with broadcast reception arising from the operation of electrical plant and apparatus?
The total cost to the Post Office of engineering work in connection with broadcasting during the last five financial years was as follows:
| £ | |||
| 1928–29 | … | … | 12,245 |
| 1929–30 | … | … | 16,498 |
| 1930–31 | … | … | 23,103 |
| 1931–32 | … | … | 33,441 |
| 1932–33 | … | … | 51,000 |
| (approximate). |
It is not practicable to subdivide these amounts; but the expenditure was mainly incurred in the treatment of complaints of electrical interference with broadcast reception, including the research work which has been necessary to find remedies.
Anglo-Argentine Convention
asked the President o f the Board of Trade if he can now make any statement as to the beneficial effect which has resulted for British export trade to the Argentine as a result of the improvement in the exchange situation under the Anglo-Argentine Agreement?
It is too early for the results of the exchange provisions of the Anglo-Argentine Convention to be reflected in the trade figures.
Petroleum Spirit (Revenue)
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the amount of Customs duty raised by the taxation of petroleum spirit in the financial year 1932–33?
The approximate revenue from petroleum spirit in the financial year 1932–33 was £35,198,000.
Coal Industry
Kitchen Coal (Price, London)
asked the Secretary for Mines the difference in the average summer price of kitchen coal quoted in London this year and last year?
The average price of kitchen coal in London is not available, but I understand that generally the prices for such coal charged in Central London were for the period from 14th June, 1932, to 15th August, 1932, 1s. per ton lower than, and during the rest of the summer period the same as, the prices ruling for similar classes of coal this summer.
Horses And Ponies
asked the Secretary for Mines how many of the 15 suggestions made in the 1930 Report of the inspector of mines for the Northern Division in order to reduce accidents to ponies used in mines are capable of general application; how many of them have been put into application; and whether he will consider any further steps to see that the suggestions in question are carried out?
As their context shows, these suggestions were made by one of the junior inspectors following special investigations at particular collieries. Some of the suggestions emphasise the need for close attention to existing requirements of the law; others refer to matters of degree in which no fixed standards are practicable; others, again, have reference to particular conditions found at the time, and the desirability of substituting limbers for sling gears is a matter in which there are differences of opinion. The suggestions are, therefore, not of general application in the sense that it would be either appropriate or necessary to apply them as they stand to all collieries, but in so far as any of the matters referred to is found at any colliery to require closer attention, appropriate action is taken by His Majesty's Inspectors. As regards the training of boys, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to another question on this subject to-day.