34. Mr. MALONEasked the Postmaster-General the state of the negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the interests concerned in the formation of the proposed Communications Company; whether the conditions of service of the transferred Government employés have yet been settled; and whether the rental of the beam services for use of radio-telephonic communication by the Post Office has been agreed?
§ Viscount WOLMERNegotiations are well advanced towards the settlement of the terms of the licence and of other agreements necessary for Post Office purposes. With regard to the second part of the question, the terms and conditions of service of the staff to be transferred are still under discussion with the representatives of the company and the staff concerned. The answer to the third part is in the negative. All that I propose to include on this subject in the agreements is a provision that the Postmaster-General, if he so desires, shall be at liberty to make use of the stations for wireless telephony services on such terms as shall have been agreed.
Mr. MALONECan the Noble Lord say when those conditions of the agreement which require Parliamentary sanction will come before this House, and in what form?
§ Viscount WOLMERNo, Sir.
§ Mr. AMMONCan the Noble Lord say whether an agreement has yet been arrived at with the South African Government?
§ Viscount WOLMERNo, Sir; I think the matter is still under discussion.
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNMay we take it that the contract regarding the use of the beam wireless will be presented to the House?
§ Viscount WOLMERAny contract that must be laid on the Table of the House will be so laid.