HC Deb 17 March 1925 vol 181 c2069
74. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Postmaster-General how many licences for experimental purposes in wireless telegraphy and telephony have been taken out to date; and how many licences have been issued for wireless receiving sets?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

The number of experimental sending licences in force at the end of last month was about 2,200, and the number of receiving licences was about 1,311,000.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Has the right hon. Gentleman any figures showing the number of sets in use for which no licences have been taken out?

79. Colonel DAY

asked the Postmaster-General if he will consider reducing the fee charged for licences for wireless crystal sets?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I do not consider that differentiation can properly be made between a crystal set and a valve set in fixing the fee payable for a wireless receiving licence. If it should be found possible at some future time to make a reduction in the present licence fee, it would apply to both crystal and valve sets.

Colonel DAY

As crystal sets as a rule only cost a few shillings, and are in the households of the working classes, while the other sets cost sometimes as much as £100, will the Postmaster-General take that fact into consideration?