Sir H. YOUNGasked the Postmaster-General with reference to the subject of 1341W overseas wireless telephony, if he can state, in respect of each of the stations concerned, how the total distance of 4,190 miles was computed as the length of telephone circuit required to connect the beam stations to London for the purpose of wireless telephony?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHThe distance referred to is the aggregate route mileage of the working, reserve and control circuits which would be necessary to connect the operating positions in the London Trunk Exchange with the transmitting stations at Bodmin and Grimsby and the receiving stations at Bridgwater and Skegness for the purpose of telephone communication with Canada, South Africa, India and Australia.
Sir H. YOUNGasked the Postmaster-General with reference to the subject of overseas wireless telephony if the Imperial and International Communications Company, Limited, in their offers made to provide stations for the Post Office Imperial Telephone Services gave any guarantees of hours of service; and what guarantees of hours of service the Post Office can give if the necessary apparatus is installed at Rugby and Baldock?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am advised that services through Rugby and Baldock can be maintained for as many hours as through the Beam Stations and probably for more. The important question, however, is not the total number of hours of service, but the extent to which these hours cover the common working or waking day, and in this respect advantage is claimed for services through Rugby and Baldock.