§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make further provision respecting Telegraphs."—(Sir James Fergusson.)
§ MR. JOHN ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)Can the right hon. Gentleman give us some information with regard to the meaning of this Bill. If it is intended merely to remedy some defect in another Bill, I have nothing further to say; but if the whole question of the telegraphic system is to be opened up by it, we shall require some fair opportunity of discussing it. We are now approaching the Whitsuntide holidays, and I hope the right hon. Gentleman will not fix the Second Reading of the Bill before the Recess. I would 1926 call his attention to the fact that a Committee in 1888 inquired most carefully into the whole question of the telegraphic system of the country, and that the late Mr. Raikes then admitted publicly and privately how much advantage he derived from the labours of that Committee. I would make the suggestion that a Committee should go into this question. I hope the right hon. Gentleman will give us some information with regard to it, and also allow us a reasonable time before taking the Second Reading of the Bill.
§ *THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON,) Manchester, N.E.The short title of this Bill is a little misleading. The measure really refers to telephones, which, by a judicial decision, have been included in telegraphs. It is intended to carry out, as far as any legislative provision is required, for the purpose, the scheme which I explained to the House a month or two ago. But, as only a small part of the scheme requires such legislative provision, a Treasury Minute will be laid upon the Table setting out the whole scheme, and I hope that this will be done before the Second Reading of the Bill is moved. It is the intention of the Government, after the Second Reading, to refer the Bill to a Select Committee. I hope it will be possible to read it a second time before the Whitsuntide holidays.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Bill ordered to be brought in by Sir James Fergusson and Sir John Gorst.
§ Bill presented, and read first time. [Bill 377.]
§ SIR JOHN LUBBOCK (London University)I hope the right hon. Gentleman will not press the Second Reading of this Bill too early, as it is one which requires some consideration. I hope it will not be taken till Friday.
§ *SIR JAMES FERGUSSONIt will be set down for Monday, and can, if necessary, be postponed.