§ 17. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that orders have recently been issued by the police authorities forbidding the instalment of wireless sets and the use of wireless sets already installed in public houses and other licensed premises unless such premises are also licensed for music and singing; under what Act this order is made; whether it also applies to gramophones and other music-making instruments; and whether he will take steps to prevent the issue of such orders?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSMy attention has not been specially drawn to any such action by police authorities as is described in the first part of the question; but the matter is not, in any event, one in which I can take any steps. The question whether a music licence is required for the use of wireless sets, or of 1359 other particular forms of entertainment, in licensed premises is one for the local authority and involves questions of law which can only be decided by the Courts. The enactments from which local authorities derive their powers in the matter of music licences vary according to the locality concerned.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLIs there any reason for supposing that sounds from wireless sets can be described as either music or singing?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think that is almost a question which might be asked of my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General.