§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONI beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he is now in a position to inform the House if the purchase of the submarine cables by the English and French Governments has proved a financial success; and whether he can state the share of profits realised by the two Governments respectively, and give any statistics showing the increased number of words and messages forwarded over stated previous annual periods?
§ MR. RAIKESIn reply to the hon. Member I have to state that a substantial profit will, no doubt, result from the purchase of the submarine cables between this country and the Continent; but it would be premature at present to estimate the amount of that profit in view of the condition of the cables. As the House is aware, some of these cables are very old, and it is possible that, before long, a considerable expenditure may have to be incurred in renewals. Not only so, but the necessity for additional plant has arisen, and a large sum will be spent in the course of the current financial year on a new cable and land line. The number of words in Anglo-French telegrams has risen from 13,376,333 in the year to the 31st March, 1889, to 15,495,791 in the year to the 31st March last. Other telegrams have passed over the Anglo-French cables, but I am not able to give separate particulars with regard to them.
§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONArising out of that question, I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the French Assembly has been asked for a Vote for an additional cable to England, also whether this House will be asked for a Vote for a new cable to France?
§ MR. RAIKESI have no knowledge of what has passed in the French Chamber. It is possible that it may be necessary there to ask for a Vote for a cable between France and England, but it is not necessary to ask Parliament for the money for a cable to France.