HC Deb 25 April 1928 vol 216 cc902-3
25. Sir ROBERT HAMILTON

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received a complaint from the Town Council of Lerwick with reference to the recent breakdown of telegraphic communication with the mainland; and what steps have been taken to guard against a recurrence of similar interruptions?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Viscount Wolmer)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There are two cables serving the Shetland Islands, and a simultaneous interruption of both, such as occurred last month, is a rare occurrence. The heavy cost of providing a third cable could not be justified. In the event of a, further simultaneous interruption of both cables, emergency wireless communication would be established with as little delay as possible. Whether the maintenance of a permanent wireless station at Lerwick will become practicable without undue cost must depend on the progress made towards the evolution of a simple form of low-power wireless apparatus capable of the necessary range. My Department is keeping in touch with developments in this direction.

Sir R. HAMILTON

Is the wireless station kept in readiness, so that recourse can be had to it in case of interruption of the cable?

Viscount WOLMER

We should try to establish wireless communication as soon as possible, but I cannot promise that we should always do it instantaneously.

Sir R. HAMILTON

Is it not a fact that the Post Office has the right to call upon the wireless installation for use in case of interruption of the cable?

Viscount WOLMER

The only wireless station there is in charge of the Post Office, and it is merely kept as a, reserve for emergency use. We do not use it when the cables are working.

Sir R. HAMILTON

If the Post Office has a right to use the wireless, is it not necessary that the wireless station should be in a condition to be used when the cable does break down?

Viscount WOLMER

Yes, that is what we are endeavouring to do.

Mr. E. BROWN

Is the Noble Lord aware that there is no high-power wireless station in Scotland, and does he not think that there ought to be?

Viscount WOLMER

We do not require a high-power station for this purpose.