§ 73. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Postmaster-General whether the Anglo-Australian beam wireless service 190 has been opened for public traffic; and whether any public ceremony has taken place or will take place in connection with the opening of this Imperial service of communications?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe Anglo-Australian beam wireless service was opened for public traffic at 6 a.m. on Friday, the 8th instant. No public ceremony took place in connection with the opening of the service, but a Press demonstration was given on Thursday, the 7th instant, when complimentary messages were exchanged between the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs and the High Commissioner for Australia in London and the Governor-General and the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth in Melbourne.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes not the Noble Lord think that an opportunity was missed of pleasing both Australians and Englishmen in connection with the opening of this great service?
§ Viscount WOLMERWe had a formal opening in the sense which I have described. That, I understand, was in conformity with the suggestion that Australia made to us in the matter.
§ 75. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Postmaster-General whether the wireless beam service to Australia is now being successfully operated; and whether use of it is being made by the Press and the public up to the anticipation of his Department?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is too early at present to express an opinion upon the volume of traffic.