HC Deb 01 December 1920 vol 135 cc1275-6W
Mr. MOLES

asked the Postmaster-General when it is expected to have the Baudot system of high-speed telegraphy made operative between London and Belfast; how long this proposal has been under consideration; and whether there have been numerous complaints as to heavy delays in telegraphic communication between London and Belfast?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

It was proposed to equip a London-Belfast circuit with Baudot apparatus early this year, but all available Baudot apparatus was then required to meet the serious difficulties which existed in maintaining adequate telegraphic communication with the Continent. Those difficulties have now been surmounted, and arrangements are being made to establish Baudot working with Belfast at as early a date as possible. The delays in regard to which complaints have been received have been due primarily to interruptions in the cables. Under normal conditions an adequate service is provided.

Mr. MOLES

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the seriously deteriorated condition of the telegraph cables between Great Britain and Ireland due to impossibility of overhauls and repairs during the War; what steps have been taken since the termination of the War to restore the efficiency of the service in this respect; what is the average number of telegraph lines during the past two years that have not been regularly in use; what are the causes of their not being available; how many cables are at present unavailable; and when it is expected to have the total lines available for public use?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

The maintenance of the cables between Great Britain and Ireland was not neglected during the War, 15 repairs having been effected during that period. Thirteen repairs have since been carried out, and every possible step has been taken to ensure the efficiency of the cables. There are in all 10 telegraph cables, containing 43 circuits, and the average number of circuits not regularly in use during the past two years was three. The maximum number interrupted at one time was seven. At present six of the circuits are out of action, four having become interrupted yesterday. The Post Office cable ship is about to take up the work of repairing the cables affected and, unless her operations are hampered by bad weather, the circuits should be restored to use at an early date.