§ SIR GEORGE BADEN-POWELLI beg to ask the Postmaster General whether the Australian Governments have made any suggestions to the Imperial Government as to taking part with them in any guarantee to Cable Companies against losses that may ensue on the proposed reduction of cable rates from 9s. 6d. to 4s. for public messages; and, if so, whether the Government has decided to comply with their suggestions, or to take any steps towards promoting this proposal?
§ MR. JACKSONIt is a fact that the principal Australian Governments have made a proposal that the Imperial Government should join them in payment of the subsidy now and for some time past paid by them to the company owning the Australian cables, and should also join in guaranteeing the company against half the loss which might accrue from the reduction of the cable rates to the figure mentioned. But, after very careful consideration, the Government has not teen able to accede to the proposal.