§ Sir B. CHADWICKasked the Postmaster-General whether the Government is aware that in the agreement made between the Marconi Company and the Governments of South Africa and Australia it is provided that the wireless telegraph rates are to be at least one-third lower than the cable rates at present prevailing; and whether, in the event of the Post Office conducting these services in this country, he is prepared to give a similar undertaking?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNThe answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. The Post Office is prepared to co-operate in the contemplated reduction, on the understanding that the net wireless rate per word will be equally divided between the station in this country and the station in South Africa or Australia taking part in the communication.