§ 45. Mr. HURDasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the disappointment felt in the Dominions at the delay in announcing the policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to wireless communication; and whether he can now state what that policy is?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe policy to be adopted with regard to Imperial wireless communications has recently been under review by the Imperial Communications Committee under the Chairmanship of the First Lord of the Admiralty, and the recommendations of that Committee have now been approved by the Government.
In view of developments in the science of wireless telegraphy and other circumstances which have arisen since the late Government decided upon the policy of a State-operated wireless chain, it is not considered necessary any longer to exclude private enterprise from participation in wireless telegraphy within the Empire.
The Government has therefore decided to issue licences for the erection of wireless stations in this country for communication with the Dominions, Colonies and foreign countries subject to the conditions necessary to secure British control and suitable arrangements for the working of the traffic
At the same time, the Government has decided that it is necessary in the interests of national security that there should be a wireless station in this country capable of communicating with 30 the Dominions and owned and operated by the State. A station of this kind will therefore be erected as early as possible, and it will be available for commercial traffic as well as for service messages.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWill there be a station at Mitcham?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill private enterprise be allowed to go ahead, without opposition from the State subsidised service?