§ 28. Sir H. BRITTAINasked 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 1377 hero; and what it is proposed that the cost should be when introduced into this country?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONA 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. BRITTAINCan 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-THOMSONI have not seen the statement; therefore, I cannot say anything about it.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINCan we take it that the price will be higher than in any other country in Europe?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI 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. BRITTAINCan 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-THOMSONI cannot say that.
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONNot without notice.