§ 100. Mr. RAFFANasked the Postmaster-General if he has decided to refuse to grant a licence for the use of any wireless apparatus manufactured by a British firm in Great Britain unless the firm in question becomes associated with a certain group of other manufacturers?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Kellaway)It is intended that the apparatus which may be used for the reception of broadcasted services shall he limited to types submitted by members of the proposed broadcasting company, or companies by which those services will be provided. Any bonâ fide manufacturer of wireless apparatus in this country will be admitted to membership on taking a single qualifying share, and subscribing to conditions to be approved by me.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhat powers does the right hon. Gentleman claim to force manufacturers into a combine, whether or not they wish to join it?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI have not said powers, and do not suggest that I shall exercise any.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYBut does not it come to that? The con- 1010 sumer is not allowed to buy an instrument from any firm that does not wish to join this association.
Captain BENNWill the terms of the licence or arrangement or contract made with these manufacturers, who are to share in the £6,000,000 in the next few years, be laid before the House of Commons?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI have given an undertaking that any Regulations made shall be laid on the Table of the House.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIn addition to making these Regulations, will the right hon. Gentleman see that the consumers, at any rate, get these things at a reasonable price?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThat is, I think, essential. The fact that every bona fide manufacturers of wireless in this country will be allowed to provide these instruments is sufficient guarantee that there will be no inflation of prices.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI should he very sorry to revise prices, but the facts that I have stated as to manufacture will secure effective competition.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI do not know that there will be any difficulty in that.
Lieut.-Colonel J. WARDHow is the right hon. Gentleman going to protect the interests of the foreign importers?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThat is the difficulty, but I have no intention of interfering.