§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he has observed that the new official vocabulary for code cablegrams, prepared by the International Telegraph Office at Berne, is objected to, on the grounds, among others, that it contains words identical in signals with other words, words with only one signal difference from other words, words with only one letter difference from other words, words with first letter's signals dangerously like others, and words representing names of articles of commerce, coins, numerals, and firms, and localities; and whether this vocabulary can still be amended and extended, or whether it is binding, as it stands, on the public; and, if amendments will be accepted, whether he will suggest that the official compilers of it should consult with two or more British telegraph experts, and with the Associated Chambers of Commerce, with a view to removing the defects complained of?
§ MR. ARNOLD MORLEYI am aware that objections have been raised on the grounds mentioned by the hon. Member; but I may remind the House that the new vocabulary does not come into force until the 1st January 1898. There is ample time for consideration in the interval, and the matter is receiving careful attention.