§ 32. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Postmaster-General whether the appeal by the British Broadcasting Company to owners 1868 of unlicensed wireless sets to pay for their licences has had any noticeable effect; and whether it is intended to reiterate this appeal from time to time?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe number of wireless licences issued shows a steady increase, but it is impossible to say to what extent the increase is attributable to the practice of broadcasting notices concerning the use of unlicensed wireless sets. These notices are broadcast periodically because the owners of unlicensed sets sometimes profess. when questioned, to be unaware of the legal obligation to obtain a licence, though this is, of course, no excuse in case of a prosecution.
§ 34. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Postmaster-General what number of owners of wireless sets have been prosecuted up to the present for not being in possession of a licence; whether any such owners have been proceeded against on more than one occasion; and what is the maximum penalty which has been inflicted?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe number of persons prosecuted for the use of unlicensed wireless apparatus since the passage of the Wireless Telegraphy (Explanation) Act last Autumn is 296. Up to the present it has not been necessary to prosecute any person more than once. The maximum penalty imposed was £10 in addition to £10 costs.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINCan the right hon. Gentleman say how ninny licences have been cancelled after this admitted evasion of the law?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONNot without notice of the question.