MAJOR SEELYI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if the will explain why the light vessels round the coasts of the British Islands have not been fitted with the same wireless telegraphy apparatus as has been fitted to His Majesty's ships and certain mail steamers.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)I have explained to my hon. and gallant friend that up to the present time, in spite of careful negotiation, the Board of Trade have been unable to effect arrangements for a system of wireless telegraphy from shore to ship, and ship to shore. The same difficulties have not arisen in the case of communication between ships at sea. I can assure my hon. and gallant friend that I attach great importance to this subject, which has engaged my personal attention, and that I shall do everything I can to make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.
MAJOR SEELYIn view of the fact that the Marconi Company says it wishes to put no obstacle in the way of this being carried out, that the failure in the matter was caused by a misunderstanding, and as the first cost would only he two or three hundred pounds per light vessel, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his answer.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI have said I will do everything I possibly can, I do not see how I can go beyond that.