Sir N. GRATTON-DOYLEasked the Postmaster-General what, for the year 1928, was the cost of the service organised by his Department for the purpose of detecting wireless apparatus operative without licences; what amount was recovered by fines; how many prosecutions were instituted; and whether the balance of expenditure is charged against the cost of the Department or is deducted from the revenue from broadcasting licences?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI regret it is not possible, without undue cost in accounting, to segregate the cost of the specific work of detecting wireless apparatus operated without licences. 1,135 prosecutions were instituted in 1928 and convictions were obtained in all but seven cases. The total amount of fines recovered, including costs where granted, was £1,186. The difference between the cost of the prosecutions and the amounts recovered is borne out of the proportion of the licence revenue, which is retained for management.