HC Deb 16 July 1914 vol 64 cc2099-100
43. Major ARCHER-SHEE

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to a statement of the directors of Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company that nearly a year had passed since the ratification of the contract and that the slow progress that the company had been permitted to make seriously prejudiced their interests; and if he can make a statement as to what difficulties have arisen with the Post Office and what steps are being taken to expedite the erection of the stations?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I am aware that the Marconi Company have made a statement such as that referred to by the hon. Member. It is the fact that delay has occurred in proceeding with the construction of the Imperial wireless stations through difficulties which could not be foreseen, but some further delay has been caused by proposals submitted by the company for an improvement in the working arrangements. These proposals, which have been made for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of the installations, had to be carefully examined, and this has necessarily occupied an appreciable time. The chief difficulties now, however, have been removed or are on the point of solution. The arrangement for establishing direct communication between Egypt and India, which was explained to the House on the 2nd of March in reply to a question by Mr. Walter Guinness, necessitated some delay in connection with the acquisition of fresh sites in Egypt and India, The new sites for the Indian station have not as yet been formally accepted by the company. Work has been proceeding for some time on the construction of the masts for the English stations, and the construction of the foundations for masts of the Egyptian station is about to be commenced. Material has also been, or is on the point of being, sent out for the masts of the East African, Indian, and Singapore stations.

Major ARCHER-SHEE

How is it that the Post Office did not examine the specifications and details of the contract before it was presented to Parliament for ratification?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

That is a statement the accuracy of which I should question.