HC Deb 29 July 1912 vol 41 c1611
94. Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

asked the First Lord of the Treasury when he proposes to invite the House to approve of the agreement between Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company and the Post-master-General with regard to the establishment of Imperial wireless stations?

The SECRETARY of STATE for HOME AFFAIRS (Mr. McKenna)

Probably tomorrow night, but the Noble Lord opposite and the Patronage Secretary are in consultation with regard to the matter.

Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Is there any special need for haste in the matter in view of the fact that the Agreement cannot be approved by the Colonial Governments concerned for several months?

Mr. McKENNA

I think the hon. Member should address himself to the Postmaster-General on that point.

Sir HENRY NORMAN

Will the Marconi Agreement be discussed after eleven o'clock to-morrow?

Mr. McKENNA

I am not certain whether it will be discussed to-morrow or not.

Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it scarcely fitting that an Agreement involving commitments of this size should be taken after eleven o'clock?

Mr. McKENNA

I did not say that it would be taken after eleven o'clock, but that it might be taken to-morrow.