§ 14. Mr. Sorensenasked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider issuing wireless licences without charge to old age pensioners during the operation of the war?
§ The Postmaster-General (Major Tryon)The concession of free wireless licences is at present restricted to blind persons covered by the Wireless Telegraphy (Blind Persons Facilities) Act of 1926. The extension of the concession to old age pensioners and other classes deserving of sympathy has been suggested from time to time, but the Ullswater Committee, who considered the whole question, reported against any such extension, and the considerations which they had in mind, still hold good to-day.
§ Mr. SorensenIs there any reason why the Postmaster-General should be bound by the recommendations of the committee in view of the new circumstances which now prevail? Does he not appreciate that wireless is a great comfort to many of these old people?
§ Major TryonI do not think there is any reason for ignoring the report of a committee representative of Members in all parts of the House, who went into this question at great length. It would obviously be a great concession because there would be a great number of other people who might put up an equal claim.