§ 25. Mr. DAYasked the Postmaster-General the total number of wireless licences at present in existence in Great Britain?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe total number of wireless receiving licences in force on the 31st January, 1929, in Great Britain (including Northern Ireland) was 2,684,941.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these licences are for portable receiving sets, or if there is any method of checking the licences for those sets?
§ Mr. W. THORNECan the right hon. Gentleman give the approximate number of people who are not paying for licences, but who are using these receiving sets?
§ 26. Mr. DAYasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the number of wireless receiving sets which are only fitted with earphones or two valves and a small loud speaker, he will consider the reduction of the wireless licence fee paid on these small sets?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONNo, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Colonel Howard-Bury) on the 7th February.
§ Mr. DAYDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think some consideration should be given to the poor people who use the very small sets?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI think it is extremely difficult in practice to differentiate according to the total value of the set, and, in addition, I agree with the view that the present charge of a penny for three days' programme is very low.