§ 60. Mr. DAYasked the Postmaster-General whether any definite decision and action has been taken by the Government as a result of the Committee of the Cabinet which was appointed to report on the employment of beam stations for overseas telephony; and will he give particulars?
§ Mr. ATTLEEAs announced by my predecessor on 26th February, 1930, the Government decided, on the recommendation of a Cabinet Committee, to adopt the policy of conducting overseas wireless telephone services from this country by concentration at the post office stations at Rugby and Baldock. This policy has been pursued; and, in addition to the service with North America which was already in operation, direct radiotelephone services have been established to Australia, to Argentina (with connections to Chile and Uruguay), and to some 28 of the large ocean liners. Telephone services with Brazil and New Zealand, and a direct service to Canada will shortly be opened and negotiations are in progress with the operating authorities in certain other countries.
§ Mr. ATTLEEI have informed the hon. Member in my reply that other services are in contemplation.