§ Mr. BECKERasked the Postmaster-General if the Government has granted any monopoly to the Marconi Company in connection with the Empire wireless chain; has any sole licence been given to this company; and, as this wireless chain is essential to close Empire communication, will he, in conjunction with the Dominion Governments, consider making this an enterprise equally shared in by all Governments concerned?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNThe answer to the first two parts of the hon. Member's question is in the negative. As regards the last part of the question, the whole subject is now under the consideration of a committee, which has been asked to submit a report at the earliest possible moment. I fear, however, that the arrangements already made by certain of the Dominions would preclude the immediate adoption of the solution suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Sir D. NEWTONasked the Postmaster-General for what reason the proj4et for the establishment of direct wireless communication between this country and the Commonwealth of Australia has been held up; and whether he can say when his Department hopes to issue the necessary licences for the provision of high-power Empire wireless communications?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNI have recently appointed a committee to consider the whole question of the Imperial Wireless Services, and I hope to receive its report shortly. In the meantime I do not think it is desirable to make any statement on the subject.