§ MR. PLUNKETasked the Postmaster General, If he would state to the House what amount of money was paid by the Post Office to the Electric Telegraph Company for its rights over the Midland Railway system; when the agreement under which such rights were enjoyed by the Electric Telegraph Company will terminate; and, the amount (if any) which has been claimed by the Midland Railway Company from the Post Office in respect of their reversionary interests on the termination of such agreement?
§ MR. MONSELLSir, if the hon. and learned Gentleman will refer to the Schedule, he will find that the Electric Telegraph Company received, under the Telegraphs Act of 1868, 20 years' purchase of their entire net profits over the whole system during the year ending June, 1868. The amount of the purchase money is stated in the Telegraphs Act of 1869—namely, £2,938,826. The claims of the Midland Railway Company are disputed by the Post Office, and will be the subject of arbitration. I think the hon. and learned Gentleman will agree with me that no information respecting them ought to be given pending the arbitration.
§ MR. PLUNKETsaid, the right hon. Gentleman had not stated when the agreement would terminate.
§ MR. MONSELLThat is one of the things which I think ought not to be stated during the arbitration.