§ SIR GEOEGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he can give the House an assurance that any cables or plant taken over from the Company which has had for a long term a monopoly of telegraphic communication across the Channel will not be taken at a price exceeding the actual present material value; and that the community using the Government cables in future will not be subjected to charges due to an excessive price paid as any sort of indirect compensation to the Company, which has already enjoyed so long a monopoly, for the loss of that monopoly?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUEE (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)I am sure the hon. Member will see that it would be impossible for me to make any definite and full statement to the House on this subject until the termination of the negotiations now in progress. I can, however, assure him that the interests of the public will be safeguarded in every possible manner; and I hope that I shall soon be in a position to make a satisfactory statement to the House upon this question.