§ 81. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the permission granted to the Marconi Company to conduct wireless telegraph services between London and Paris is having a prejudicial effect upon the Government cable service; whether 1366 the transfer of work from the Government cables to the privately-owned installation is having the effect of reducing the traffic and causing a further loss of revenue; and whether he will give an assurance that the Government postal and telegraph services shall not be seriously handicapped by the granting of special concessions to commercial rivals?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Kellaway)The wireless service between London and Paris conducted by the Marconi Company cannot be said to have had a prejudicial effect on the Government cable service, or to have caused any-appreciable loss of revenue. Adequate steps will be taken to safeguard the financial position of the State in the event of the present temporary permission which has been given to the company being confirmed by a permanent licence.