HC Deb 13 July 1900 vol 85 cc1464-5
*SIR J. COLOMB (Great Yarmouth)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether experiments in wireless, telegraphy conducted with an apparatus on the East Goodwin light-vessel were successful, and whether the apparatus has since been removed and nothing further done.

MR. RITCHIE

I understand that the experiment of establishing electrical communication with the East Goodwin light vessel was regarded as successful. The experiment having been completed the apparatus was removed, and the whole question of electrical communication with, light stations has, as I stated in my reply to a question addressed to me on the 10th instant by the hon. Member for Cambridge, been referred to an Inter-depart mental Committee.

*SIR J. COLOMB

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what is. the distance of the Borkum light-vessel from the receiving office in Germany, and what was the distance of the East Good win light-vessel from the receiving office in England; and whether, seeing that wireless telegraphic communication, is now conducted between the Borkum light-vessel and the German shore, while no such communication exists between the East Goodwin light-vessel and the English shore, he will explain why arrangements for communication between a lightship and the shore can be made in Germany and not made in England.

MR. RITCHIE

I am not aware of the name of the receiving office in Germany with which the Borkum light-vessel is in communication, and I am, therefore, unable to state the distance between the office and the vessel. The distance between the East Goodwin light-vessel and the receiving office in England was about ten miles. The mere practicability of establishing communication is, as my hon. friend will understand, not the only question to be considered. Very difficult questions of patent rights are involved, and the question how to deal with those rights needs careful handling.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking steps to expedite the settlement?

MR. RITCHIE

I have communicated to the Inter-departmental Committee expressing the hope that they may speedily make their Report.

*SIR J. COLOMB

Who are the members of the Committee?

MR. RITCHIE

I cannot remember the names, but the Post Office, the Treasury, the Admiralty, and the Board of Trade are all represented.