§ SIR JOHN LUBBOCK (London University)I had given notice of my intention to ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that a Telegraphic Convention between the Chinese Government and certain British and Foreign Telegraph Companies has lately been signed, and whether the ratification by the British Government is sought by the interested parties; whether this Convention would fix the charge for telegraphic communications to China for a long period of years, so as to preclude competition with existing cables and land lines during that time; and whether Her Majesty's Government will lay the proposed Convention (terms of which are known in this country, but which have so far been kept secret) upon the Table of the House before its ratification? At the request of the right hon. Gentleman I beg to postpone the question until Monday.