73. Sir F. HALLasked the Postmaster-General whether the decision of the late Government not to complete the Imperial chain of wireless stations was, as stated in a recent trial, the result of advice given by representatives of the War Office and the Admiralty; if so, can he state who were the officials responsible for giving such advice; what saving of expenditure was secured by its adoption; and whether the Dominion Governments were first consulted in the matter?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Illingworth)The decision taken in December, 1914, not to proceed with the Imperial chain was arrived at by the Cabinet with the concurrence of the Army Council and the Admiralty. It is impossible to say at present what saving of expenditure was secured by its adoption. The only Dominion Government concerned in the contract for the chain was that of South Africa. So far as I am aware, it has raised no objection to the decision.
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHIt was not proposed to put stations in the other Dominions.
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThis affair happened many years ago. I was not a member of the Government at the time.
Sir F. HALLIf I put a question down for a later date, will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into it and give a fuller reply?