HC Deb 15 November 1916 vol 87 cc800-1
105. Mr. GWYNNE

asked whether, previous to the agreement of 1913, the Marconi and Telefunken systems were, mutually exclusive; whether since that date they have been mechanically and commercially combined; and whether steps have been taken to prevent this combination proving a source of danger under existing circumstances?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. J. Pease)

The Marconi and Telefunken systems, like other wireless systems, have always been capable of communicating with each other, and I understand that the agreement of 1913 referred to did not affect this aspect of the matter in any way, and did not involve the commercial combination of the two systems. It was mainly directed to the regulation of competition between the rival interests in certain countries and ceased to be operative when the War broke out. Special measures have been taken to guard against any wireless communication with the enemy.

Mr. GWYNNE

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted the agreement? Has his Department consulted it to make sure of the fact?

Mr. PEASE

I have had communication with the Marconi Company, and I understand from them that the case is as I have stated.

Mr. GWYNNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman send someone to examine the agreement, and not merely take a statement from the company?

Mr. PEASE

I am not in a position to make a request of that kind.

Sir R. COOPER

May I ask whether, in a matter of this nature, which may be of extreme importance, the Government depend upon the managing director of a commercial company, and do not get the facts for themselves?

Mr. PEASE

This matter has been carefully considered. I am not in a position at the present moment to compel the Marconi Company to give information which may be of a confidential character with respect to an agreement entered into prior to the War between firms representing two different systems. I, however, am given to understand that the facts as I have stated them are correct.

Mr. GWYNNE

Are we to understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that this agreement, which affects this country, which was discussed in this House freely, and is of national importance, has not been examined by the Board of Trade or the Postmaster-General?

Mr. PEASE

I will make further inquiry into the matter of the Board of Trade.

Sir E. CARSON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Telefunken Company is not a German company, and is it not important to this country to know what is the arrangement between the Marconi Company and the German company?

Mr. PEASE

Certainly; if it is a German company and if the Marconi Company are prepared to make public what was their arrangement before the War with the Telefunken Company I think it will be an advantage, but I have got no powers to compel the Marconi Company to make public their arrangements with the Telefunken Company before the War.

Sir F. BANBURY

Has the right hon. Gentleman not the power under the Defence of the Realm Act to makes these inquiries?

Mr. PEASE

I will consider it and see what can be done.

Mr. GWYNNE

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the first possible occasion.