HC Deb 22 November 1916 vol 87 cc1423-4
84. Mr. R. GWYNNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether M. Travailleur, a director of Marconi's Wire less Telegraph Company, of London, and chairman of the Société Anonyme Inter-nationale de Telegraphie sans fils, of Brussels, has held any communication with the board of the Brussels company or the board of the Marconi company since the beginning of the War; and, if so, what has been the nature of those communications?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I have no information as to communications between M. Travailleur and the Marconi Company or the Brussels company referred to.

Mr. GWYNNE

Will the hon. Gentle, man take steps to find out who were M. Travailleur's colleagues on the Brussels Board?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I hardly think it necessary to investigate any communications which do not appear to have any bearing in connection with us.

Mr. GWYNNE

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the Marconi Company are doing Government work, and that they have control of the wireless?

Mr. PRETYMAN

If my hon. Friend can give me any information which would lead it to be supposed that this correspondence would be of interest, and that anything required investigation, I should be glad to receive that information, but at present I have not sufficient information to justify investigation.

Mr. GWYNNE

Does the hon. Gentleman think his Department too busy to inquire, and therefore leaves it to private Members to obtain information?