§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Postmaster General, Will he explain why it was that cable communication between this country and the Island of Alderney was interrupted from September 1894, till near the end of January 1895, or later; whether he is aware that the cable companies are accustomed to repair a broken 444 cable in less than a week at any depth; whether communication by cable with Alderney is now restored; and, whether he will insist on greater speed in repairing operationr if another interruption should occur?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. ARNOLD MORLEY,) Nottingham, E.The break in the telegraph cable to Alderney occurred at a dangerous place and at a time when a good deal of urgent work was thrown on the cable ships of the Department, one of which it was found necessary to furnish with new cable machinery. At the present time one of the ships is experiencing great difficulty in effecting the repair of an important cable in the North Sea; while the other, which was actually proceeding to the work at Alderney, has unfortunately been in collision. I can only say that as soon as one or other of the ships is available she shall be sent to restore the communication at Alderney.