45. Mr. C. PALMERasked the Prime Minister, whether he is aware that the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company has refused to give evidence before the Wireless Communication Committee; whether he can state the reasons for such refusal; and what steps he proposes to take to render it possible for the Committee to have the benefit of such assistance as the Marconi Company is in a position to render?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pike Pease)I am asked to answer this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the reason for refusal appeared in a letter from the Company published in the Press on March 4th. If the Company decline to give evidence, there are no means available to force them to reconsider their decision. The Wireless Telegraph Committee will hear with pleasure any evidence the Marconi Company may like to give if they care to reconsider their decision. The Company have already submitted to the Government proposals for a network of wireless telegraph communications throughout the British Empire, and these are under consideration.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs the Government desirous that the Marconi Company should give evidence before the Committee, and, if so, will they make it a condition that unless the Company do give evidence, they will not be given the facilities for which they seek, or any proposition from them be considered?
§ Mr. PEASEThe Marconi Company have submitted an offer to the Government, and it is being considered at this moment.
§ Mr. BILLINGAn offer to give evidence?
§ Mr. PEASEThe answer which I gave says:
If the Company decline to give evidence, there are no means available to force them, to reconsider their decision.