26. Mr. PIKE PEASEasked the Postmaster-General whether, in the event of a contract being given to one system or more for the Imperial wireless service, he is prepared to grant licences within the limits of the British Isles for the erection 1687 of stations to be used in Transatlantic or trans-oceanic work, particularly to the United States, Mexico, and South America, to other companies which may be expected to prove themselves efficient for the conduct of such work?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELAs indicated in previous answers, I should not be prepared as at present advised, to give licences for stations which would enable private companies to compete with the State-owned service; but as regards Transatlantic traffic, including communication with any part of the American Continent, I should be prepared—subject to reasonable conditions—to grant a licence to any British wireless telegraph company giving adequate proof of financial standing and technical competence.