§ 24. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Postmaster-General whether he has now considered the communication sent to him by a constituent of the right hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames about his Department's action in insisting under threat of legal penalities, on the obtaining of a separate radio licence, in respect of each transistor radio owned by physically disabled children at a residential college for such children; and whether, in view of the hardship likely to ensue, he will withdraw this demand.
§ Mr. Edward ShortI have, of course, every sympathy for these children. I am considering the matter and will make a statement to the House as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for that Answer. Perhaps he could clear up the problem as to why this demand has suddenly been initiated at this stage?
§ Mr. ShortThere has been no change in the law at all. Children owning transistor sets at schools have always been liable to obtain sound receiving licences. What has caused the matter to come to the fore was a recent circular sent out by the Department of Education and Science.