BRITISH PALIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 3 August 1928, Page 3

BRITISH PALIAMENT

IN THE COMMONS. Australian Press Assn.—United Service ' LONDON, Ang. 2. In the Commons, Mr Baker, on the motion for the adjournment, raised the question of the cables and wireless merger, claiming that events justified his statement on May 21st. It was a cleverly concocted campaign by newspaper, financial banking and insurance interests, .which had forced the Government into the present position. The cable companies had no right both to receive State assistance and retain cash reserves of eleven millions. The conference’s report was a fitting conclusion to a disgraceful campaign of treachery and knavery. (British Official Wireless). RUGBY, August 2. In the wireless-cable conference debate in the Commons, Sir John Gilmour on behalf of the Government said having fully considered the report, the Government had decided to accept it and 'put its recommendations into effect. They felt convinced that they were acting in the best interests of the public generally, and the users of the services in particular, for it only is in this way that all the necessary com- "* muniention hetween the various parts of the Empire oould be maintained and developed without undue cost to the public. The Government proposed to enter forthwith into negotiations with the companies concerned, with a view to drawing up a formal agreement on the lines recommended by the conference. ' Sir John added that in announcing this decision, the Government was fortified with the knowledge that the attitude of the other governments concerned was generally favourable to the recommendations of the conference. Although there were necessarily certain governments wishing to give further consideration or in regard to which fuller information was required, in response to telegraphic enquiries replies had been received from Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, South African, Irish Free State, and Indian Governments, showing that on all hands and from every quarter of the Empire tlieie was a measure of accord on the general principles, which the conference had laid down.