HC Deb 26 March 1912 vol 36 cc403-4W
Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) at whose cost the wireless stations already existing in the West Indies and British Guiana were erected; at whose cost the proposed stations in Barbados, the Bahamas, and British Honduras are to be erected; on whom it is proposed that the cost of maintenance and working shall fall; and (2) what system of wireless telegraphy it is intended to instal in Barbados, the Bahamas, and British Honduras; what is the power of the existing stations in Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago, and British Guiana; and what will be the power of the proposed stations?

Mr. HARCOURT

Wireless stations in Jamaica, Trinidad, and British Guiana have been erected and are maintained at the cost of the Cable Companies, and another station in Trinidad and one at Tobago at the cost of the Colonial Government. The power of these stations varies from 1½ to 3 kilowatts. In British Honduras negotiations are proceeding on the basis that the Government shall erect a 3-kilowatt station, and that a private company shall refund the initial cost and the loss on its operation. In the Bahamas only a local private system between Nassau and Abaco has so far been authorised, each station to have a power of 1½ kilowatts. The Barbados Government is considering the question of erecting a Government station, but the power and system to be adopted are not yet decided.