§ 44. Mr. OTHO NICHOLSONasked the Postmaster-General whether, before any decision is taken by the Government in regard to wireless and cable communications, the same opportunity will be given to the wireless companies here, and in the Dominions and India, of stating their point of view as will be given to the cable companies; and whether the House can have an assurance that in any decisions which the Government may take nothing will be done to hamper the development of wireless in the British Empire?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir William Mitchell-Thomson)In reply to my hon. Friend's question, His Majesty's Government have invited the Dominion Governments concerned and the Government of India to nominate representatives to meet with them in conference on the question of cable and wireless communications. In the event of their agreeing to do so, the conference will take place as soon as practicable, and meanwhile I can obviously say nothing further.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the object of the conference to avoid competition and to put up prices, or to secure competition and to bring them down?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe object of the conference is to examine questions of vital interest both to His Majesty's Government and the other Governments concerned.
§ Mr. NICHOLSONMay I ask whether the wireless companies will also be invited to attend?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThis is a conference between Governments.