HC Deb 11 June 1947 vol 438 cc115-6W
88. Mr. J. Lewis

asked the Postmaster-General by what authority he prevents the public from listening to any signals they may pick up on their radio receivers; and what are the penalties imposed by his regulations upon members of the public who are guilty of improper interception of communications from ship wireless stations.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

The Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1904, provides that every licence for the working of apparatus for wireless telegraphy granted by the Postmaster-General shall contain the terms, conditions, and restrictions on and subject to which the licence is granted. Broadcast receiving licences authorise the reception only of broadcasts from authorised broadcasting stations and messages from any authorised amateur station, and members of the public holding such licences who improperly intercept communications which they are not entitled under the terms of their licence to receive are liable on conviction to the penalties prescribed by the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1904.

90. Mr. J. Lewis

asked the Postmaster-General if he will make a statement on the letter which was sent by his Telecommunications Department to Messrs. Arnolds, of Yarmouth, on 23rd May, 1947, in regard to interception of shipping radio signals.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

This firm had suggested in an advertisement that purchasers of wireless sets they were offering for sale would find an interesting pastime in listening to messages sent from trawlers. They were asked, in the letter referred to, to discontinue their advertisement and to advise customers that the reception of transmissions from trawlers was not permitted under the terms of the Broadcast Receiving Licence. They have undertaken to do so. Licences for the reception of messages from ships are not granted to members of the public.