§ 29. Captain Alan Grahamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce immediate legislation making the possession of a licence compulsory before any individual can purchase any prismatic compass, or any form of sight-aiding glass other than spectacles, such as binoculars and telescopes?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)My right hon. Friend agrees with the object which my hon. and gallant Friend has in view, but he is informed that the Ministry of Supply have not only absorbed the entire manufacturing capacity for these instruments, but have also purchased from dealers all available stocks of binoculars 153 and telescopes which are suitable for Army use. In these circumstances no useful purpose would be served by attempting to control their sale.