HC Deb 15 May 1957 vol 570 cc384-5
32. Mr. Ross

asked the Postmaster-General why he proposes to extend the type of agencies and persons permitted to use the Press telegram service; and if he will state the loss in the service for each of the last five years.

Mr. Marples

In extending to broadcasting authorities the right to receive overseas Press telegrams, the new regulations which I laid before Parliament on 7th May regularise arrangements which have obtained since before the war. I regret that these regulations have not been presented earlier. The restriction as to the person who may send overseas Press telegrams has been found to be unnecessary. On the second part of the Question, my inquiries are not complete and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as they are.

Mr. Ross

Surely, any extension of the use of a non-profit-making branch of the service is a matter for concern. Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us who asked for this extension? From whom did the approach come that this service should be extended?

Mr. Marples

This service has been continued for years under successive Governments since before the war, and it has not been taken away because it was thought at the time that it was right that the Press should have a cheap form of communication so that they could get the news to the Commonwealth and round the world.

Mr. Ross

But that is not the question that I asked. We are all aware of the facts concerning the Press, but now this service has been extended to broadcasting agencies. Who asked for this extension?

Mr. Marples

They have enjoyed it since before the war. It is not an extension.