HC Deb 30 April 1929 vol 227 c1376
27. Mr. WELLOCK

asked the Postmaster-General at what date the existing Post Office beam wireless telegraph charges were fixed; the number of messages that were being handled per month at that time; and the number that are being handled per month at the present time?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

The rates by the Post Office beam services for telegrams to and from the Dominions and India were fixed by agreement with the beam companies in those countries before the services were opened at various dates between October, 1926 and September, 1927. They have remained in force unaltered, except for changes of comparatively small importance. It follows that no telegrams were being exchanged by beam when the rates were fixed. The total number of telegrams of all classes, inward and outward, handled by the beam services during the four weeks ended the 31st of March was 154,200.

Mr. WELLOCK

Does not the increase in the number of telegrams warrant a reduction in charges?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

That is a matter for discussion with the companies.

Mr. WELLOCK

Is not that now made impossible, seeing that they have to provide dividends for the cables?

Mr. HARDIE

Is it not a fact that, since the arrangement has been made, the control of the price of what was British Government property has gone into other hands?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

It remains as before, a matter for discussion between the companies and the authorities in the Dominions.

Mr. HARDIE

But now with the authorities here.