§ MR. BUCHANAN (Edinburgh, W.)asked the Postmaster General, What is the annual rent paid by the Ben Nevis Observatory for the telegraph wire to the top of the mountain; and, what is the annual amount received by the Post Office for telegraphic messages despatched from the Observatory?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)In reply to the hon. Member, I have to state that the annual rent paid by the Ben Nevis Observatory for the telegraph wire to the top of the mountain is £130; that for the year ended the 30th of June last the number of telegrams despatched from the Observatory was 957, of the value of £31 18s., and that the Society was paid a commission by the Post Office, for dealing with the messages, of £5 19s. 7½d.
§ MR. BUCHANANasked, whether the sum stated included the receipts for Press telegrams, or was only the amount received for private messages?
§ MR. RAIKESsaid, he understood the sum he had stated covered all the telegrams sent; but if the hon. Gentleman wished it he would make further inquiry.