§ 62. Sir R. HAMILTONasked the Postmaster-General if he can give an estimate of the cost of linking up the island of Graemsay with the telephone circuit at Stromness; and if he is prepared to give effect to this extension?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe cost is estimated at £2,100. I should not be able to provide this submarine extension, except under guarantee.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONIs that the cost of the cable or the total cost?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONIt is the total cost.
§ 63. Sir R. HAMILTONasked the Postmaster-General what arrangements have been made for carrying telegraphic messages between the islands of Yell and Fetlar; and what is the estimated cost of that service pending the repairs to the cable?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONTelegrams are at present being conveyed between Yell and Fetlar by mail boat on Mondays and Thursdays, without extra cost, and on alternate Tuesdays by mail boat by a special boat via Lerwick and hired by the Post Office at a cost of 17s. 6d. a trip.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that constantly recurring incidents such as this demonstrate the necessity of linking up these islands by wireless?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI should be very glad if a wireless telephony system could be formed for that purpose, but, as I said the other day, none has yet been found possible.