§ MR. M. BROOKSasked the Postmaster General, Whether it is a fact that the special telegraph wire from London to Dublin, rented by Government to the Dublin "Freeman's Journal," a leading Irish Liberal newspaper, is one which goes round by Liverpool, and is subject to interruption and delay, of which frequent complaint has been made; whether another newspaper in the same city has a "direct" special wire from London viâ Holy head, which is not liable to such interruptions; whether any difference is made in the rental of these two wires; and, whether it is his intention to take means to secure equality of Government telegraphic facilities for all newspapers in the same district?
§ LORD JOHN MANNERSIn reply to the Question of the hon. Gentleman, I have to state that it is a fact that the special wire rented by The Freeman's Journalgoes by way of Liverpool, and I am sorry to say that complaints have been made as to interruption and delay. It is also a fact that The Irish Timeshas a direct special wire from London to Dublin. Both wires are viâ Holyhead, and the rental of both wires is the same. The Irish Times rented its wire at the 816 period of the transfer of the telegraphs to the State in 1870, and The Freeman's Journalonly rented its wire since February 1872. It would be obviously unfair to deprive The Irish Timesof the wire which it has had since 1870, and at present a direct wire cannot be spared for The Freeman's Journal. In fact, the hon. Gentleman will see that it is rather a case of first come first served.
§ MR. M. BROOKSAs to the amount of rent?
§ LORD JOHN MANNERSI have said that the rent is the same in both cases.