asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that many holders of licences for radio sets operated by dry batteries are unable to use these sets owing to shortage batteries; and whether in view of the consequent threatened unemployment among radio dealers he will take steps in conjunction with the Minister for Supplies to arrange for importation of these batteries; and further, if supplies of dry batteries cannot be imported whether he will arrange for the suspension of payment of licenses on battery sets during the period when such sets are inoperable.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Sets.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs what it is intended to do in regard to wireless licences in view of the shortage of wireless batteries and the impossibility of getting further supplies.
I am aware that supplies of dry batteries are running short and, in consequence, difficulties are doubtless arising for holders of wireless sets operated by these batteries. I understand that the Minister for Supplies has had the question of procuring further stocks under special consideration but that, owing to restrictions on the export of zinc both in Great Britain and the United States, the efforts made have not so far been successful. While these efforts will be continued, the prospects at present do not appear to be hopeful. The suggestion that battery sets which are inoperable should be exempted from licence fee is one which I regret could not be adopted. Payment of the fee is a statutory obligation in all cases where wireless apparatus is held, whether a complete set or part of a set and whether workable or not, and the making of exceptions is not feasible.
If people have wireless sets which they are not able to use because they cannot get batteries, are they still going to be liable to pay licence fees, and if they do not pay what can they do in order to avoid being made legally liable?
People who have sets which cannot be used can arrange for their storage by dealers or others, and if they do that there will be no difficulty about exemption from licence fees.
Will there be any difficulty about getting storage?
Could not the Minister arrange to have them sealed?
Storage would mean putting them into one store. If they are stored with one person, that person will pay a licence to cover the lot, and that would comply with the law.
Could the Minister arrange for that storage?
Arrangements for that will have to be made by the people themselves. We have no way of providing storage?
Would it not be much better if the Department could arrange to seal the apparatus?
That would mean a change in the law. The law lays it down that if you have any wireless apparatus in your possession you must pay the fee.
Has the Minister considered the power that he has under the Emergency Powers Act to make little changes in the law?