§ SIR SAMUEL WILSON (Portsmouth)asked the Secretary of State for the Colo- 175 nies, Whether, in view of the unsatisfactory state of the existing telegraphic communication between this Country and Australia, the Government will consider the question of an alternative route through Canada, with a cable from Vancouver City, the terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway, to Australia?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)The subject of a telegraphic line from Vancouver to Australia has been brought under our notice by the Government of the Dominion, and I have promised to give it careful consideration. The expense involved appears, however, to be very great; and until the opinion of the Australasian Colonies upon it has been ascertained Her Majesty's Government will not be in a position to form any judgment as to the scheme.