§ 11. Mr. Hoyasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production why he has granted a monopoly to the Central Radio Stores, London, for the retail of surplus R.A.F. wireless equipment; how many Bomber Command transmitters have recently been purchased by this store; at what price per transmitter; and why he refused the offer of Mr. j. C. Clarricoats, secretary of the Radio Society of Great Britain, to purchase these transmitters at£5 each.
§ Mr. WilmotNo sales have been made by my Department to the Central Radio Stores and no offer from Mr. Clarricoats to purchase surplus wireless equipment has been refused, but I understand that he is in touch with the Radio Industries Council with a view to sets being distributed to his members through the trade.
§ Mr. HoyIs the Minister aware that reports of a different character have appeared in the Press, and that it has been stated that the Ministry has refused to sell to Mr. Clarricoats and has sold to this store? If the position is otherwise, will the Minister consider issuing a statement to that effect?
§ Mr. WilmotI have seen a report in the "Daily Express," but it is quite inaccurate.
§ Mr. BoothbyDoes the Minister really mean to say he is not going to take any steps for securing that these wireless sets 1540 are put where they are urgently required, namely, in the fishing industry? Is he going to do nothing about it?
§ Mr. WilmotThe hon. Member will appreciate that that arises out of the previous Question. We are in fact taking all the necessary steps to see that these sets do get into these fishing boats.