HC Deb 01 January 1913 vol 46 cc367-8
63. Major ARCHER-SHEE

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he has now seen a copy of the agreement between the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of Canada and the Newfoundland Government; whether this agreement does give a complete monopoly for the erection of wireless telegraph stations; and, if so, whether the Government intend to make any protest against the ratification of this agreement, which is against the interests of the public throughout the Empire?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I have not yet seen the agreement to which the hon. Member refers. I have asked to be supplied with a copy as soon as it arrives.

Major ARCHER-SHEE

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman obtain the information by cable, and is not the Post Office interested in preventing a great Marconi monopoly controlling the communications of the Empire?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The matter is in the discretion of the Newfoundland Government, over which we have no control. I have asked the Colonial Office to cable for a copy of the agreement. They have done so, but it has not yet arrived.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is this in accordance with the new policy of the Leader of the Opposition to coerce the Colonies?

66. Mr. CHARLES PRICE

asked the right hon. Gentleman if he will cause to be laid upon the Table of the House the Surrender and Agreement between Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company, Limited, and the Marconi International Marine Communication Company, Limited, with His Majesty's Postmaster-General, dated 29th September, 1009; and whether any arrangement has been concluded with the said companies which causes the above agreement to be of non-effect?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The agreement referred to by the hon. Member was laid on the Table of the House and ordered to be printed on the 2nd December, 1909. No further arrangement on the same subjects has been made with the companies in question, and the agreement is still in operation.

Major ARCHER-SHEE

Was the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown taken with regard to this agreement before the Marconi agreement was brought forward?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The question relates to the agreement of 1909, which was made in the time of my predecessor. I would ask for notice as to whether the Law Officers were consulted.