HC Deb 12 March 1919 vol 113 cc1319-20W
Sir HENRY NORMAN

asked the Postmaster-General what is the position to-day between the Government and Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company in respect of the claims of the latter against the former?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

The question of the amount of damages in respect of the cancellation by the Government of the contract for the proposed Imperial Wireless Chain was remitted by the High Court to an arbitrator. The company have formulated a claim, but a date has not yet been fixed for the hearing. As regards the services rendered by the company during the War at their stations in this country, the Government have made considerable payments on account, and proposed a basis of settlement to the company in May last, which they did not accept. The services have now practically ceased, and the question of making a further offer to cover the period up to the date of cessation is under consideration.

Sir H. NORMAN

asked the Postmaster-General if he is informed of the steps taken by the French and American Governments in the erection of State-owned high-power wireless telegraph stations in those countries; and what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, in view of the development of wireless telegraphy by official research during the War, to establish State-owned Imperial wireless telegraphic communication?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

I am aware of the steps taken by the French and American Governments in the direction referred to. As regards the question of taking similar steps in the British Empire, the War Cabinet has recently appointed a Telegraph Communications Beard, with Lord Milner as chairman, whose duty it will be to consider this question as early as possible.