§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Postmaster-General how soon he expects telegraphic communication with Islay to be restored; and whether he will consider favourably the installation of wireless telephony in the islands of Islay and Tiree or, failing wireless telephony, wireless telegraphy, in view of the frequent breakdown of telegraphic communication under the present system and plant?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHWireless communication with Islay was established on the 16th instant and telegrams to and from the island will be transmitted by that means until the cable can be repaired. The probable date of repair of the cable cannot yet be stated. Cable communication with Islay has been interrupted eight times in the last 18 years. The cost of installing and maintaining a per-2130W manent wireless service with these islands would be high in relation to the volume of traffic; and it is doubtful whether a more reliable service could be afforded by wireless than by cable.