HC Deb 01 December 1930 vol 245 cc1791-2
58. Mr. MATTERS

asked the Postmaster-General when it is now expected that direct radio-telephonic communication will be established by his Department between the United Kingdom and South American capital cities?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

I hope that it may he possible to provide a direct telephone service with Argentina within the next two or three weeks. This service will afford communication also with Uruguay and Chile by means of landline connections from Buenos Aires. I am considering the question of establishing direct telephone communication with Brazil, but I am not in a position at present to make any announcement on the subject.

Mr. MATTERS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this will be a two-ways service and whether the charges will be appreciably lower than those now in force on the two direct services?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

It will be a two-ways service, but I am not able at the moment to state the exact charges.

Captain CAZALET

Can the Postmaster-General say whether the rates charged will be comparable to the rates charged to countries on the Continent and unlike the telegraph charges which are so excessive?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

Yes, Sir, they will be.