HC Deb 13 July 1922 vol 156 c1453
50. Mr. HURD

asked the Postmaster-General if he can make a statement as to the intentions of the Government respecting the Imperial wireless chain?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Kellaway)

The Government have further considered the question of the Imperial wireless chain, and have decided to erect in England a station of the ultimate power contemplated by the Expert Commission, instead of the smaller power which they proposed should be used in the first instance. The Government are advised that this station will provide especially direct commercial communication with India, South Africa and Australia. In India the Imperial Government will erect and the Indian Government will work a station also capable of direct communication with England, South Africa and Australia. As a corollary of this decision, the proposed second station in Egypt and the station in East Africa will be deferred; and the question of erecting stations at Singapore and Hong Kong will be reconsidered. Communication is proceeding with the Union Government as to the station in South Africa, and the experts of the Canadian Government are expected to reach England very shortly in order to discuss the participation of Canada in the scheme.

Mr. HURD

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether, as a matter of fact, the experts of Canada have not bean coming to this country for the past two years?

Mr. KELLAWAY

At any rate, they are much nearer arrival at the present moment.