HC Deb 05 July 1923 vol 166 cc648-9W
Sir B. SHEFFIELD

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the general meeting of the West India and Panama Telegraph Company on 6th June, 1923; and if it is the intention of the Government to take over the lines of the above-stated company, or to instal a new and competitive service?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative: as regards the second part of the question the alternative of taking over the West Indian and Panama Telegraph Company's system has been considered, but His Majesty's Government are advised that it would not be possible to acquire that system without at the same time acquiring certain engagements by which in their opinion it is most undesirable to be hampered.