Oral Answers to Questions — British Army. – in the House of Commons at on 16 January 1940.
Captain Leonard Plugge
, Rochester Chatham
asked the Postmaster-General whether soldiers who are in camp in this country have to have a licence before they can use wireless sets; and whether, in view of the fact that many of these men have sets in their own homes for which they are already paying a licence, he will consider allowing them to use wireless sets in their camps without a licence?
Mr Charles Waterhouse
, Leicester South
The use of a wireless receiving set by a soldier in camp in this country would be covered by an existing licence for his home set, if the latter had been removed or disconnected and the local postmaster had been informed of the change of address; but a single licence would not cover the continued use of both a set at home and a set in camp. Arrangements are, however, available whereby a responsible officer of the Forces in this country make take out a single 10s. licence to cover the use of any number of receiving sets in barrack rooms contained in a single block of buildings. Where troops occupy huts, special arrangements can be made with the local postmaster under which a single wireless licence will cover a number of huts, including any that are used for a canteen or for entertainment purposes.
Mr Emanuel Shinwell
, Seaham
Are we to understand from the answer of the hon. and gallant Gentleman that—[Interruption.]
Mr Edmund Radford
, Manchester Rusholme
On a point of Order. Would you use your influence, Mr. Speaker, with hon. Members with a view to their carrying on less private conversation during Question Time so that all hon. Members may be able to hear Minister's replies?
Mr Emanuel Shinwell
, Seaham
Does the answer of the hon. and gallant Gentleman mean that the troops have to pay out of their own pocket for their wireless licences?
Mr Charles Waterhouse
, Leicester South
My answer stated that an officer can pay for a licence for a number of men provided that they are in the same building. Only one licence has to be taken out for the whole barracks or for a number of huts, and not one for every individual machine.
Mr Emanuel Shinwell
, Seaham
Has the officer to pay out of his own pocket or are subscriptions made by the men; and why cannot the Government provide these licences free?
Mr Charles Waterhouse
, Leicester South
I cannot tell what arrangements may be made for subscriptions by the men. That is a question for the War Office.
Mr Emanuel Shinwell
, Seaham
Could not the hon. and gallant Gentleman make a representation in the matter?
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