MR. FORTESCUE HARRISONasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If his attention has been called to an article headed "The Government and the Telegraph Companies," which appeared in "Capital and Labour" on the 9th instant, in which it is stated that a memorial has been sent to the Lords of the Treasury containing grave charges against certain persons therein named in connection with the acquisition by the Government of the United Kingdom Electric Telegraph Company in 1869, and asserting, amongst other things, that by the award made in that transaction the revenues of the country were defrauded to the extent of over £400,000; and, whether it is true that a memorial of this nature has been received by the Lords of the Treasury; and, if so, whether he will lay a Copy of it upon the Table of the House, together with the reply of the Government thereto?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER,in reply, said, that a Memorial of the character mentioned in the Question was received at the Treasury a short time ago, and had been referred to the Postmaster General for his Report. The Report had just been received, but, for want of time, had not yet been examined. He had not himself read the Papers; but they would, of course, receive due attention.
MR. FORTESCUE HARRISONgave Notice that in consequence of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman he should repeat his Question in a fortnight.