§ MR. D. CAMERONasked the Postmaster General, Whether it is proposed to extend telegraphic communication to the Island of Barra; and, if so, whether he will make an effort to lay down the submarine cable without delay, and before the commencement of the fishing season, so as to give the fishcurers and inhabitants dependent on that industry the same facilities for prosecuting their calling as are enjoyed by almost all other fishing communities in the United Kingdom?
§ MR. FAWCETTSir, there has been some correspondence between the Post Office and the Fishery Board for Scotland with reference to an extension of the telegraphs to Barra and other remote places in Scotland. As the extensions referred to by the hon. Member would not be remunerative, the regulations now in force do not admit of their being carried out unless the parties interested are prepared to give a gua- 1022 rantee to secure the Department against loss. The terms of the guarantees have been stated, but they have not been accepted; and I am unable to say, therefore, what prospect there is of the extension being carried out.