85. Sir HILTON YOUNGasked the Postmaster-General what success has been achieved in the Post Office wireless telephony tests with Australia which have now been proceeding for seven months; how many average hours commercial service per day can be guaranteed as a result of tests covering the complete 24 hours; and how many average hours commercial service per day were guaranteed by Imperial and International Communications, Limited?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHThe average hours of service per day taken over the whole year guaranteed by the Imperial and International Communications Company are 13 under one proposal and 15 under alternative proposals. As I have already stated, I am advised that the Rugby and Baldock Stations are capable of maintaining telephone services for as many hours as the Beam stations and probably for more. But the important question is not the total number of hours of service but the possibility of providing service during hours which cover effectively the common working or waking day. The Post Office experience confirms my belief. that it will be possible to provide service via Rugby and Baldock during longer portions of the waking day common to. both countries.
Sir H. YOUNGMay I ask the Postmaster-General if he will be good enough to reply to the first part of any question as to what success has been achieved by the Post Office wireless telephone system, referring to the actual achievements.
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHVery great success. has been achieved.