HC Deb 14 July 1859 vol 154 cc1199-200
SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

said, he would beg to trespass on the attention of the House for a few moments with reference to a statement he had made the other night in his speech on the Red Sea and India Telegraph Bill. On that occasion he had stated that certain conditions had been made by the Submarine Telegraph Company with the Government of France. He had since received a letter from the chairman of the Submarine Company, which he would take the liberty of reading to the House.

MR. SPEAKER

said, that the hon. Member could not read a letter relating to a former debate.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

said, in that case he would confine himself to the statement, that he was in error in saying that the arrangement made by this Company with the French Government, gave to that Government a priority over the British Government, in the right of transmitting messages.