HC Deb 30 May 1881 vol 261 cc1661-2
SIR HENRY TYLER

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been drawn to the continually increasing and apparently unlimited development of webs of wires stretched tightly over the thoroughfares of the Metropolis; to the periodical deterioration of strength in those wires from the action of the atmosphere; to the danger that would arise, with probable loss of life, from the fracture of any one of those wires; to the constantly augmenting risk consequently occasioned, especially in many of the principal thoroughfares; and, whether he will consider the question of providing against such danger?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT,

in reply, said, that the Question raised by the hon. and gallant Gentleman was deserving of attention, but did not lie in his Department. It really rested with the Postmaster General and the authorities having control over the streets. He would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Telegraph Act of 1862 if he wished for information with regard to the control over telegraph wires.