HC Deb 30 April 1929 vol 227 cc1376-7
28. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that business men wishing to get into telephonic communication with the Argentine are forced to go over to Paris to do so; why, when this service is working perfectly between Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Buenos Aires, it is not yet initiated hero; and what it is proposed that the cost should be when introduced into this country?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

A limited radio telephone service has recently been opened between one radio station in Buenos Aires and one station in France and in Germany respectively. The service in both cases is at present open daily for a short period. In Buenos Aires it is linked only to certain public call offices, while in Europe it has been extended to the normal subscribers' service in a number of cities. I am in communication both with the French and German administrations with a view to linking up this country with these services and tests are being made. I am not in a position to say anything as to rates and conditions.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Can the right hon. Gentleman deny the statement recently made in a leading newspaper in the Argentine, that the cost of the installation will be higher than in any other country in Europe?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I have not seen the statement; therefore, I cannot say anything about it.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Can we take it that the price will be higher than in any other country in Europe?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I should not like to say that, because the charges in most of these cases are based on the zone charge, and I cannot say where the zone will fall.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say that London is nearer Buenos Aires than Warsaw, and that the charge will be higher to London than to Warsaw?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I cannot say that.

Mr. DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what the charges are?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Not without notice.