§ Mr. BOWENasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of recent developments in the transmission of pictures by telegraphy, he has considered the advisability of establishing a public service of this character between this country and the Continent?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHIt has been decided to establish a public service between London and Berlin for the transmission by telegraphy of pictures, photographs and other similar matter. There have been consultations with the German Administration, who are willing to co-operate. The apparatus has been ordered. The rates of charge and conditions of service are at present under discussion between my Department and the German Administration. It is hoped that the new service 247W will be opened within two or three months. The service will at the outset be of an experimental character; and the question of its permanent adoption and its extension to other routes will be considered when sufficient experience has been obtained.