BRITISH LEGISLATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18192, 11 September 1922, Page 5

BRITISH LEGISLATION.

FOREIGN INSTRUMENTS BARRED. After some important amendments had been agreed to, the Wireless Telegraphy and Signalling Bill has been passed by Standing Committee "C" of the House of Commons, Sir W. Pearce presiding. The Bill amends the Act of 1904, and makes further provision for the regulation of ■wireless telegraphy and visual and sound signalling. Mr. R. Richardson, M.P., understood that under the regulations British-made wireless sets were to havo some preference. He asked what was the naturo of such preference, and how were the public to be protected against exploitation. Mr. Kellavvay, Postmaster-General, said the intention was to limit licenses for a period of two years to receiving sets manufactured jby British firms. This form of communication was likely to be one of tho most valuable resources of mankind. A toy yesterday, it was likely to prove one of the most remarkable means of communication, and this country ought not to allow it to be exploited by foreign manufacturers. There was no risk of the users beins in any way injured. They would be if there were not effective competition, but he was satisfied not only that there would bo effective competition between tho manufacturers of this country, but that it might also develop into cut-throat competition. If there wa3 a danger of the manufacture becoming a monopoly of- one firm, there might be justification for allowing foreign-made sets to be imported, but there were some twenty (,/irms in • this country who were anxious to manufacture and place on the market these receiving sets. It was clear, therefore, that the interests of users was adequately protected. It would be thnroughly dishonest to attempt to use the proposed limitation for the purposo of introducing tariff reform.by a back door. This was nothing of the kind, but, on the other hand, it would be intolerable if this means of communication were allowed td fall into the hands of foreign manufacturers. , - Sir H. Norman moved an amendment, making it an offence to broadcast messages of a character subversive of public order. In times of great unrest, he said, wireless telegraphy might be used for many undesirable purposes. Mr. Kellaway expressed his willingness to accept the amendment, which was cari ried by 15 votes to 6.