§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether the purchase of the submarine telegraphs between England and the continent has resulted in a financial success; and whether he is in a position to give the approximate expenditure and the receipts of this Service from the period of purchase up to date?
§ *MR. RAIKESIt is difficult to attach a precise meaning to the words "financial success," as employed by the hon. Member, but I think I am justified in saying that the result of the acquisition of the submarine cables between this country and the continent may, on the whole, be described as satisfactory. In view of the approaching International Telegraph Conference, it would be contrary to the public interest to make any official statement at present respecting the details of this question.