HC Deb 31 January 1929 vol 224 cc1138-9
58. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the telauto-graph apparatus in use in the French postal service by which signatures can be sent both by telegraph wire or by wireless; if he is aware that since 1924 it has been possible to send telegraphed signatures and photographs between several of the main cities of France; whether the system has been investigated by his officials; and, if so, with what results?

Viscount WOLMER

The answer to the question is in the affirmative. The system has been inspected abroad and some time ago a demonstration of it was held in London, and it has since been used on certain private wires in this country. So far, however, the results have not been sufficiently definite for the Postmaster-General to feel justified in introducing it into the telegraph service, but it is being kept under observation.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the Noble Lord aware of the importance to commercial men of being able to send their signatures by wire?

Viscount WOLMER

Yes, Sir. It is a system which might be of considerable use.