§ MR. W. FOWLERasked the Postmaster General, What progress has been made in the settlement of the amounts still payable to Railway Companies as compensation under the Telegraph Act, 1869; and, whether he can state what was the estimated amount of such compensation?
§ MR. MONSELLSir, the Post Office has already concluded arrangements with 40 railway companies, who possess the greater part of the railways of the United Kingdom. Arbitration is going on with 10 or 11 railway companies; but it is impossible to say when the arrangements with the remainder of the railway companies will be completed, or what sum arbitrators will award to them.