§ 68. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, in Section 66 of the Hardman-Lever Report of 1927, the committee unanimously advised that the possibility of the complete fusion of the telegraph, cable, wireless, and telephone services might with advantage be explored; and whether it is the intention of the Government to obtain the evidence of officials of American companies?
§ Captain BOWYER (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to answer this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative.
§ 69. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Postmaster-General, in view of the loss of £1,300,000 or more per annum on the inland telegraphs, whether he is aware that the Hardman-Lever Committee of 1927 were not permitted to consider the aspect of transfer to private enterprise; and whether, as the situation has been changed by recent legislation transferring the external wires to the new Communications Company, the Government will 1302 open negotiations on similar lines with that company in regard to the remaining inland telegraphs?
§ Captain BOWYERYes, Sir, but the circumstances under which certain overseas services are to be transferred to a communications company have no analogy in the case of the inland service; and the reply to the latter part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. PALINGIn view of the supposed advantages to be gained by transferring State services to private enterprise, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consult the hon. and gallant Member for Maidstone (Commander Bellairs) about selling the Navy?