HC Deb 09 September 1914 vol 66 cc555-6
13. Mr. HUNT

asked the Prime Minister why it is that the Marconi wireless operators are allowed to publish Berlin news which is recabled all over the world as coming from London?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)

I am informed that the news in question is sent from Germany to wireless stations in all parts of the world. Any attempt, therefore, to prevent its publication in London, with a view to its not reaching other countries, would be useless. As regards recabling this news as originally emanating from London, I understand that if such messages are presented for re-transmission, either by wireless or by cable, they are stopped, but that, in fact, few attempts have been made to re-transmit them.

Mr. HUNT

Is it not the fact that this news from abroad goes as from this country?

Mr. McKENNA

In regard to news falsely sent from abroad as coming from this country the hon. Member will see that it is impossible to prevent news which originates from abroad.