§ 32. Mr. CLARRYasked the Postmaster-General the number of prosecutions against the owners of non-licensed wireless receiving sets resulting from the activity of detector vans, the estimated number of licences taken out as a result of this activity and the manner of computation, and the total cost of the special campaign in the London area; and whether this detection service is to be augmented or reduced?
§ Sir K. WOODThe number of prosecutions for the use of wireless apparatus without a licence that have been, or are about to be, instituted as a result of the recent campaign in London is 117. Excluding renewals and deducting also, as representing normal growth, the number of new licences issued during the corresponding period last year, the number of additional issues during the period of the campaign was about 204,000. I think these licences may fairly be regarded as directly or indirectly attributable to the campaign. The cost of the campaign is estimated at £650. Arrangements are being made for similar campaigns to be conducted in other parts of the country.
§ Captain GUNST0NCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether these vans
§ tory to the hon. Member—is that the deposits have gone up considerably and the withdrawals have diminished since the result of the last election.
§ Mr. TH0RNEIs it not the fact that the damage by broadcasting was not done until the latter part of October?
§ Sir K. WOODI can give the figures for well after that time. I notice that the deposits, after the broadcast referred to by the hon. Member, went up by some thousands of pounds.
§ Following are the figures:
§ really detect whether a licence has or has not been paid?
§ Sir K. WOODThe hon. and gallant Member must look at the results.