§ MR. JOHN ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)I beg to ask the Postmaster General what were the gross receipts and expenditure respectively of the Post Office telegraphs during the year ended 31st March, 1892; what was the amount expended during the same year on account of the annual charge for the securities created for the purpose of the Telegraph Acts, 1868 to 1870, and any Acts amending the same; and when will the Returns required by Act 24 & 25 Vic., c. 47, s. 33, and Act 39 Vic., c. 5, s. 4, for year ended 31st March last, be laid upon the Table?
§ * SIR J. FERGUSSONThe first Act referred to by the hon. Member does not relate in any way to telegraphs, but to Ramsgate Harbour. The Returns required by Act 39 Vict., c. 5, s. 4, are those which give the information asked for in the first and second paragraphs. They cannot be prepared for the year ended 31st March last until the accounts of that year have been closed; this will not be possible until November next, nor does 1758 the Act require them to be laid before the 30th November.
§ MR. JOHN ELLISCan the right hon. Gentleman give the figures?
§ * SIR J. FERGUSSONNo; it is not possible to do so yet.