§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether he is aware that telegraphic messages from England to Australia are charged, from Bombay to Madras, 500 per cent more than local messages over the same lines; and, will he take steps to remedy the grievance?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)Telegraphic messages are charged from Bombay to Madras, 75 centimes per word. Local messages are charged, if urgent, 45 centimes; if not urgent, 22½ centimes. The Government of India object at present to incur the loss of revenue which a reduction of the rate on Australian messages would cause.