asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1) the reason for the failure to set up the Communications Company as set forth in the Imperial Telegraphs Act, 1928;

(2) whether, seeing that it was stipulated in the Imperial Telegraphs Act passed in August last that the Communications Company take over as from 1st April, 1928, the Pacific Cable Board's cables, the West Indian cable and wireless system worked by the Pacific Cable Board, the Imperial Atlantic cables, and the lease of the Post Office beam service, there is to be any change of policy, as the Communications Company is not yet formed?

Mr. SAMUEL:

No change is contemplated in the policy to which the hon. Member refers. Detailed arrangements for giving effect to this policy, including those for the formation of the Communications Company, are now actively in train.

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why there was such indecent haste in pushing this matter through the House?

Mr. SAMUEL:

I do not agree for a moment that there was indecent haste.

Who is in control of the Government beam wireless; is it a private company or the Post Office?

Mr. SAMUEL:

That is not the question put to me on the Paper.