§ 70. Mr. WELLOCKasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Communications Company has yet been formed; whether any agreements or contracts have been concluded; and if it is the intention of the Government to lay before the House details of any agreements or contracts that may be made?
Mr. SAMUELThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative and to the third part in the affirmative so far as concerns any agreements or contracts for which His Majesty's Government are responsible.
§ Mr. WELLOCKCan the right hon. Gentleman say how soon we may expect a conclusion to be reached?
72. Mr. MALONEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the present position of the Communications Company; and what is the state of negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the Communications Company?
Mr. SAMUELThe detailed arrangements necessary to carry into effect the recommendations of the Imperial Wireless and Cable Conference are in process of discussion with representatives of the Dominion Governments concerned and with the cable and wireless companies. The Communications Company has not yet been registered.
Mr. MALONEHave any discussions yet taken place with the unions concerned in regard to the conditions of employment of the men who are about to be transferred?
Mr. SAMUELThat is quite a different question from the question on the Paper. If the hon. Member puts down that question, I shall endeavour to answer it.
Mr. MALONEIs not the question of the conditions of the employés to be transferred very important in connection with this contract?