§ Mr. MIDDLETONasked the Postmaster-General what licences were issued by his predecessor to the Marconi Company; whether the text of such licences may be supplied to this House; whether the State has lost revenue through the operation of such licences; and whether the issue of further licences to send and receive wireless telegrams between Great Britain and other countries is contemplated?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo formal licences were issued by my predecessor to2630W the Marconi Company, but, in accordance with a decision of the Government arrived at before his appointment, provisional permission was given for the erection of a wireless station at Ongar for the purpose of carrying on a wireless service with Switzerland, and also for the purpose of continuing wireless services with Spain and France which had previously been commenced under temporary permits. The question of the conditions under which permanent licences should be granted is still the subject of negotiation. The terms of any agreement that may be arrived at on the subject will be laid before Parliament, in accordance with the promise given by my predecessor. Although the Marconi services have withdrawn a certain amount of traffic from the Government cables, the effect on the revenue is not appreciable.