The third reading of the Imperial Telegraphs Bill has occupied
much time in the House of Commons. It will be remembered that in accordance with the recommend- ations of the Imperial Wireless and Cable Conference, which met six months ago, tile Bill provides for the merging of cable and wireless interests in a new Com- munications Company, having many features of a Public Utility concern. The necessary transference of State property—the Beam Wireless Service—to private hands is governed by two intelligible- motives. Ministers feel that in the interests of the Empire, cable communication, which have undoubtedly been hard hit by the development of wireless, must be maintained for the sake of the secrecy which is lacking in the Beam Service. Even if it were not still necessary for Great Britain to base public policy on national safety, the Dominion Governments' views - would have to be a primary consideration. Incidentally, Canada, Australia, and South Africa have all abandoned the system of State-owned wireless stations.
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