HC Deb 01 May 1928 vol 216 cc1512-3
45. Mr. W. BAKER

asked the Prime Minister when he received the report of the Imperial Conference on cable and wireless services; when it is hoped to publish the report; whether, in view of the importance of this question, he will make a statement as to the offer he has recently received to purchase the whole means of Imperial telegraphic communication; and, if so, what was the sum offered?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

No Report has as yet been submitted by the Wireless and Cable Conference. It is not, therefore, possible for me to say anything with regard to its publication. No offer has been made direct to His Majesty's Government in Great Britain in regard to the purchase of the whole means of Imperial telegraphic communication. I understand that certain suggestions in this connection have been laid before the Conference, and are still under consideration by that body. Until the Report of the Conference is available it is obviously impossible for me to make any statement.

Mr. BAKER

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how soon the Report is likely to be available?

The PRIME MINISTER

I cannot say that. I may be able to give a more or less definite answer if a question is put down, but there are, as I understand, communications to be made with the various Dominion Governments before we can publish the Report.