§ 74. Mr. OTHO NICHOLSONasked the Postmaster-General if he is yet in a position to say what will be the capital cost of the Rugby station; and whether any estimate has been prepared, and can be given to the House, of the expenditure and revenue when the station is working?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNThe capital cost of the Rugby station with 12 masts, is estimated at about £400,000, including site and buildings. The addition of four more masts, as recommended by the Donald Committee, is estimated to cost £62,000. As regards the annual revenue and expenditure, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Acton on the 28th February last, a copy of which I am sending to him.
§ 75. Mr. NICHOLSONasked the Postmaster-General whether the wireless telegraph station which the Post Office is erecting at Rugby will give continuous commercial communication with Australia during the whole 24 hours of the day?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNIt is difficult to answer definitely pending practical experience of regular working over distances such as those between this country and Australia, but it is anticipated that the Rugby station will be capable of continuous commercial communication with Australia during the 24 hours of the day, except when the atmospheric conditions are particularly unfavourable, which may on the average be for two or three hours our of the 24.
§ Mr. E. BROWNHas the right hon. Gentleman any report as to the effects upon local receivers of the establishment of this station?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNI shall require notice of that question.