MR. JOSEPH COWENasked the Postmaster General, When he expects the sixpenny telegram system will be started?
§ MR. FAWCETTSir, I can assure my hon. Friend that we are very anxious to bring the reduced charge for telegrams into operation as soon as practicable. If, however, adequate preparations were not made to meet the increase of business which it is anticipated will result from the minimum charge being reduced to 6d. the wires would got blocked; and, consequently, there would be great delay and serious inconvenience to the public. I may mention, as showing the preparations required, that it is estimated that about 15,000 miles of new wire will be needed. In the Treasury Minute recently laid on the Table, the 1st of October next year was fixed as the date for the introduction of the reduced tariff. [Several hon. MEMBERS: Next year!] There are 15,000 miles of telegraph wire to lay.