§ 14. Mr. Shepherdasked the Postmaster-General if he will make a statement on the last cable-laying operation of "Monarch."
Dr. Hill"Monarch" has recently completed the laying of 1,941 nautical miles of telephone cable, including 51 repeaters, across the Atlantic from Newfoundland to Scotland at depths reaching two-and-a-half miles. This unique operation, completed on schedule despite very difficult weather conditions at times, is the first stage in the construction of the submarine links in the joint Anglo-American-Canadian Transatlantic Telephone Cable system, particulars of 1006 which were given to the House in December, 1953.
According to present plans "Monarch" will lay a two-way cable between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the early summer of next year, followed by the second one-way cable between Scotland and Newfoundland; the aim is to have the whole system ready for service towards the end of 1956.
I am sure the House will wish me to congratulate all those on both sides of the Atlantic whose skill has contributed to the successful outcome of this year's operations and to wish them continued success in 1956.