HC Deb 08 July 1913 vol 55 cc224-5
71. Mr. TOUCHE

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the Goldschmidt system of wireless telegraphy has established communications between Hanover and Tuckerton, Atlantic City, a distance of 3,600 miles, while the expert advisory committee expressed themselves in their Report favourably to this system, the company owning this system have been invited to tender for the contract for the Imperial wireless service: and, if not, will he explain why this has not been done?

The following Questions were also on the Paper:—

73. Mr. GEORGE TERRELL

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he will, before concluding any new contract with the Marconi Company, call for a Report from his expert. Committee on the successful working of the Goldschmidt wireless system across the Atlantic, and place the House in possession of it before they are asked to come to a decision on the whole matter?

74. Mr. WALTER GUINNESS

To ask the Postmaster-General whether wireless communication has now been established on the Goldschmidt system between Hanover, in Germany, and Tuckerton, Atlantic City, a distance of 3,600 geographical miles, and greater than the inter-station distance of any other workable system, and this despite the fact that the mast at 'Tuckerton is not yet completed; and whether, in view of this and the opinion of the Goldschmidt system expressed by the Advisory Committee of experts in paragraph 20 of their Report, he will take immediate steps to ascertain whether the company owning the system in question are willing to tender for the contract for the Imperial wireless service?

46. Mr. BARNSTON

To ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the altered circumstances due to the development of wireless telegraphy since the conclusion of the original Marconi contract, he will ensure that the latest performances in long distance wireless telegraphy are duly considered in the awarding of any new contract, and that all rival systems are given an equal opportunity of presenting their claims?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer Question 46, and I will answer at the same time Questions No. 71, 73 and 74. I have no official information as to the results of the experiments made within the last few days with the Goldschmidt system, but I am, making immediate inquiries.