HC Deb 08 May 1899 vol 71 cc53-4
MR. PROVAND (Glasgow, Blackfriars)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether an Agreement was made on the 28th October 1893, between the Secretary of State for the Colonies of the one part and the Eastern Extension, Australasia, and China Telegraph Company, Limited, of the other part, for laying a second submarine telegraph cable between Singapore and Hong-kong; whether this agreement secured the Company against competition and placed them in possession of a preferential right to any future contract or concession for laying further cables between Singapore and Hong-kong for a term of 25 years; and, whether such Agreement was ever presented to Parliament; if not, will he state the reason why?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

An Agreement was made on the 26th of October 1893, between the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Eastern Extension, Australasia, and China Telegraph Company, for the laying and maintaining for 25 years, at their own cost, by the Company, of a second submarine telegraph cable connecting Singapore, Labuan, and Hong-kong. 2. The Agreement contains the following Article:— Article 4. In consideration of the engagements entered into by the Company in this Agreement, and of the strict fulfilment thereof, Her Majesty's Government undertakes to secure the Company against competition to the extent following, that is to say:— Her Majesty's Government will not during the term of this Agreement lay, nor grant, nor permit to be granted, any concession or authority for laying any new submarine cables connected with Hong-kong, Singapore, or Labuan (whether in competition with the cables of the Company or not) unless such new cables should, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, be found necessary in the public interest of Great Britain, Hong-kong, the Straits Settlements or Labuan, or in the general interests of international telegraphic communication. Provided always, that if it shall be decided that new cables are to be laid the Company shall, all things being equal, have the preferential right to the contract or concession for laying the same. Provided that this Article shall not prevent the Great Northern Company from repairing, renewing, or replacing any submarine cable connected with Hong-kong, and shall not prejudice or affect the existing rights of that Company. 3. The Agreement was not presented to Parliament, as it imposed no charge on the public revenue.