HC Deb 27 March 1922 vol 152 cc932-3
26. Mr. HURD

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received representations from the Empire Press Union on behalf of the leading journals of this and overseas British countries viewing with anxiety the continued lack of adequate telegraphic communications within the Empire and with concern the prolonged delay in securing the full advantages of an inter-imperial wireless system in which the Dominions overseas would be willing to co-operate; and what steps the Government propose to take to carry out the unanimous resolutions of the Imperial Conference on these matters?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pike Pease)

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Prime Minister has received a communication from the Empire Press Union on the subject to which the hon. Member refers. The Report of the Planning Commission was sent to the Dominions and they were invited to consider co-operating in the scheme in accordance with the resolutions of the Imperial Conference. So far as I am aware, the Dominions have not yet replied. Preparations are proceeding for the construction of the stations for which the Imperial Government is responsible.

Mr. HURD

Is it not a fact that the Dominions are, one after the other, refusing to take any part in this scheme?

Mr. PEASE

No reply had been received up to yesterday. The replies are to be received by the Colonial Office, and I am afraid I cannot say anything more about them.