HC Deb 09 July 1930 vol 241 cc448-9W
Mr. DAY

asked the Pastmaster-General the number of prosecutions for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date taken against persons operating wireless receiving apparatus without licences; the number of convictions obtained; the total amount of fines recovered, including costs: and whether the difference between the costs of the prosecutions and the amounts recovered in fines is borne out of the proportion of the revenue received by the Post Office derived from broadcasting licences?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

The number of prosecutions undertaken by the Post Office during the 12 months ended 31st May, 1930, for the use of wireless receiving apparatus without a licence was 1,029. Convictions were obtained in 1,024 cases, the remaining five cases being dismissed for various reasons. The total amount of the fines and costs imposed by the Courts was £1,193 19s. 7d. The Post Office expenses in connection with these prosecutions, less the sums awarded by the Courts as costs, are borne out of the Post Office share of the revenue from wireless licences. The fines are not received by the Post Office, but are paid over to the Exchequer.