HC Deb 28 July 1933 vol 280 cc2954-5
17. Mr. MABANE

asked the Postmaster-General whether any conditions are attached to licences issued by him to radio relaying stations regarding publication of programmes distributed by these stations to their customers; and whether he has any objection to the publication of these programmes?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Ernest Bennett)

The licence for a wireless exchange contains a clause to the effect that nothing in the licence authorises the licensee to do any act which is an infringement of any copyright which may exist in any published programme. The question whether the publication of programmes for wireless exchanges giving certain details constitutes an infringement of copyright is a legal question which my right hon. Friend has no authority to determine.

Mr. MABANE

Can my right hon. Friend tell me whether it is a fact that the British Broadcasting Corporation is instituting proceedings against those who are giving publication of these programmes, and particularly against the "Sunday Referee" newspaper?

Sir E. BENNETT

Yes, it is a fact, and the whole matter is sub judice at this moment.

Mr. MABANE

Is it not a fact that the revenue of the Post Office depends upon the licences being taken out, and will not the licences taken out diminish if publication of these programmes is not given, so that people may see what programmes are to be given to them? Will the hon. Member not make representations to secure that there is no stoppage of the publication of programmes?

Sir E. BENNETT

I will bear in mind what the hon. Member says.

Mr. CAPORN

Are we to understand that the Postmaster-General has no means of obtaining legal advice upon this question?

Sir E. BENNETT

As I said before, this is a, legal question, and the Post Office is not concerned with the legal question. It is a legal question to be dealt with by the British Broadcasting Corporation against the "Sunday Referee."

Mr. MABANE

But is the Post Office not greatly concerned in the revenue derived from licences?

Sir E. BENNETT

Of course it is.