§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the British manufacturers of radio valves used for wireless reception have formed themselves into a valve manufacturers' association, and give wholesale terms only to some half-dozen houses, to the detriment of all other genuine wholesale traders: that this practically forms a ring in the sale of radio goods; whether licences are still only issued for apparatus entirely composed of British-made instruments and, if so, whether he will consider revoking this rule in order to break down the monopoly?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNI understand that an association has been formed amongst British valve manufacturers with the object of preventing price-cutting by retailers. Wholesale terms are stated to be given to all dealers, although an increased discount dependent on the turnover is allowed to the wholesale distributing firms. The uniform type of broadcast receiving licence which was introduced on the 1st of this month, while free from certain restrictions imposed in previous licences, still contains the condition that only apparatus of British manufacture shall be used. Under the 1987W terms of the Supplementary Agreement with the British Broadcasting Company of the, 1st October, 1923, I am not in a position to withdraw this condition before the 1st January next.
§ Mr. BAKERasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the benefits which would accrue to purchasers of receiving sets, he will consider the establishment of a British Broadcasting Company Testing Department, whose function shall be periodically to test receiving sets from the stock of manufacturers who may desire such tests, and to issue certificates guaranteeing the standard of the apparatus tested?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNApart from other objections, I do not consider that the advantages of the suggested system would justify the large expense involved.