§ Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what assistance has been given in the provision of wireless sets to populations in the Colonial Territories; and if such assistance can be extended in view of the difficulties which the electronic industry is experiencing in this country.
§ Mr. HareThe Colonial Office maintains close contact with British manufacturers, individually and collectively, and in particular has frequently drawn attention to the need for cheap battery-operated sets designed for hard use in tropical conditions. Many colonial Governments encourage the import of such sets by remission of duty. In certain instances there are preferential rates. In addition some 5,000 community receivers have been purchased for use in the Colonial Territories, though in general listening to individual sets is preferred. There is now a growing demand for more expensive sets. I feel sure that with intensified efforts British manufacturers will find good opportunities in this expanding market, in which they are already well represented.