§ 35. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Postmaster-General if he can inform the House when the South African beam station will he completed and available for messages?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe beam stations for communication with South Africa are practically completed and preliminary tests have been carried out by the contractors. The tests indicate that the use of shorter wavelengths than those for which the stations were origiNally designed will probably give a better and more continuous service, and the aerials are accordingly being adjusted to enable these shorter wavelengths to be employed. The contractors anticipate that the necessary alterations can be effected in about seven weeks. Tests under the new conditions will then be necessary before the service can be opened to the public.