§ 77. Mr. MANVILLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that communication by wireless telegraph from Atlantic liners is permitted to Cape Race and thence by cable to England, whilst communication direct with England by wireless telegraph is not allowed; that this is causing inconvenience and dissatisfaction; and if he will state if the regulation can now be relaxed?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)All restrictions were removed, as soon as the enemy submarines had been handed over, in waters in which danger from mines did not exist. In waters in which such danger did and does still exist, it has only been possible to relax restrictions to the extent of allowing masters and owners to communicate as necessary for the working and safety of the ship, but not to admit telegrams on the private or business affairs of passengers.
When I explain to my hon. Friend that it is solely in the interests of the safety of life and property that these restrictions are still enforced in dangerous waters, in order to reduce the chance of a distress message from one ship being "jammed" by a private message from or to another, he will, I am sure, agree that our policy in this matter is fully justified, particularly when I assure him that, as the sweeping of mines progresses, so will the restrictions be removed from the waters thus rendered safe.