HC Deb 26 July 1922 vol 157 cc463-4
68. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Postmaster-General whether an undertaking has been given to the manufacturers intending to establish wireless broadcasting stations in this country that no imported wireless sets will be licensed, and that either a complete ban or a high tariff will be imposed on such sets?

Mr. KELLAWAY

As I stated on the 18th instant, in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Kin- cardine and Western Aberdeen, the manufacturers of wireless apparatus in this country have been informed that, in the event of their supplying the capital required and providing efficient broadcasting services, I will agree that the apparatus which it will he permissible to use under the Post Office licence for the reception of those services shall for two years be restricted to apparatus manufactured in Great Britain.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Was this matter before the Cabinet, and was there a Cabinet decision promising protection to these people before the right hon. Gentleman gave this promise?

Mr. KELLAWAY

The answer to the first point raised by the hon. and gallant Member is that the matter was considered by the Cabinet.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Has the Post Office considered that, if they shut out foreign inventions from coming into this country, the development of science may suffer in this country?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member I have taken into account all these very elementary considerations.