§ 40. Mr. KELLYasked the Postmaster-General whether, with regard to the British official wireless messages sent out from Rugby, he will say whether any charge is made to newspapers or others using these official messages; whether they are of the nature of impartial news; what is the annual cost of this service incurred by his Department; and whether any other Departments are also involved?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONNo charge is made for the use of the official news messages broadcast from the Rugby wireless station. The messages are compiled by the Foreign Office and the Post Office merely acts as the transmitting agency. An appropriate charge is made to the Foreign Office for the transmission of the messages.
§ Mr. KELLYIn view of the answer that the Foreign Office is responsible for the news sent out, may I ask if they are also responsible for the inaccurate, statement sent out to India recently in regard to the Prime Minister's letter during the Scottish University by-election?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI have no knowledge of the statement which the hon. Member makes, but it is quite clear from what I have said that any question dealing with the substance of the messages sent should be addressed to other Departments.