71. Colonel NEWMANasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the patents for the manufacture of receiving sets for wireless telephony are in Great Britain in the possession of the Marconi Wireless Company and one or two other smaller firms; and has he been able to consider the value of the monopoly which the Government intends to confer on the Marconi Company in the proposal which it has recently placed before the House?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pike Pease)I am aware that the Marconi Company and other companies claim to possess patent rights affecting certain wireless telephone receiving apparatus, but the value of these rights, whatever they may be, will neither be increased nor diminished by the conditions upon which I propose to issue licences.
§ Mr. PEASEI cannot answer except to say that if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will let me know how he thinks the value is increased or diminished, I shall be glad to consider it.
§ Captain W. BENNIs not the value increased by the prohibition of foreign instruments which the Post Office has imposed?
§ Mr. KILEYWhy are not the British public permitted to obtain the best instruments science and brains can produce?