HC Deb 11 February 1948 vol 447 cc359-60
25. Sir John Mellor

asked the Postmaster-General by what authority a separate licence is required for a wireless receiving set fitted in a motor car; and why his Department has refused to treat such sets in the same way as domestic or portable sets.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

The authority is in Section 1 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1904, which states that a licence shall contain the terms on and subject to which the licence is granted. Although the terms of a broadcasting receiving licence authorise the occasional use of a portable set elsewhere than at the licensed premises, I see no ground on which a set fitted in a motor car, which constitutes a separate wireless station at a separate place, should be exempted from separate licensing.

Sir J. Mellor

Is the Minister aware that, in 1946, the Postmaster-General ruled that car radios were not portable sets, whereas, at the same time, the Commissioners of Customs and Excise levied Purchase Tax on them on the assumption that they were; and will he say what steps were taken to reconcile the conflicting views of the two Departments?

Mr. Paling

I do not know the answer to that at the moment, but I will look into the matter.

Sir J. Mellor

Will the right hon. Gentleman get together with the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and try to work it out?

Mr. Paling

I have already promised that I will look into the statements which the hon. Gentleman has made.