HC Deb 29 July 1912 vol 41 cc1662-3W
Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

asked the Postmaster-General how many Imperial wireless stations it is proposed to construct under the Marconi agreement; what are the points at which such stations will be located; and what is the distance between each of such points respectively?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

It is proposed that six long-distance wireless stations should be erected under the agree- ment referred to by the hon. Member, and that they should be situated in England, Egypt, British East Africa, South Africa, India, and the Malay Peninsula. The sites for the proposed stations have not yet been finally selected, but the approximate distances between them will be as follows:—

Geographical Miles.
England—Egypt 1,880
Egypt—British East Africa 2,180
British East Africa—South Africa 1,450
British East Africa—India 2,500
India—Malay Peninsula 1,700

Mr. HASTINGS DUNCAN

asked the Postmaster-General if the £60,000 to be paid to the Marconi Company for the electric installation at each of the Imperial wireless stations covers both the dispatching and receiving stations; is the wireless station about to be constructed by the Australian Government to be erected in accordance with the draft specification drawn up for the other stations of the chain of Imperial wireless stations; and will he say if the draft specification of Imperial wireless installations was submitted to and estimates obtained from any other wireless telegraph construction companies as well as the Marconi Company?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The £60,000 to be paid to the Marconi Company for each station to be erected under their contract covers a complete wireless installation at each place, capable both of sending and receiving telegrams on the conditions specified in the contract. I have no information as to the specification which will be adopted by the Australian Government for the purpose of the station which they will erect to communicate with the proposed Imperial station at Singapore. The possibility of securing the erection of the stations by some other company was fully considered, but it was decided not to invite tenders, for reasons which I will state when the contract is brought before the consideration of the House.