§ MR. EYKYNsaid, he would beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether Her Majesty's Government have refused permission to the Marseilles, Algiers, and Malta Telegraph Company to land their cable at Malta; and, whether Her Majesty's Government will lay upon the Table Copy of the Convention 1239 by which they guarantee £3,000 a year to the Mediterranean Extension Telegraph Company?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, this matter is still the subject of negotiation between the Government and the company, and it would be very inconvenient to make a statement with respect to it till the negotiations come to an end. I shall then be happy to lay on the table any Papers and to give any other information on the matter. I must correct the hon. Gentleman as to the amount of the guarantee; instead of being £ 3,000, it is unfortunately £7,200 a year. I have no objection to lay a Copy of the Convention on the table.