§ MR. HOGANI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether certain concessions have recently been granted to the Eastern Telegraph Company as regards the opening of independent offices in the Australian capitals in connection with their proposed new cable from South Africa to Australia; and whether there is any ground for the apprehension that these concessions will seriously affect the financial success of the cable that is about to be laid from Canada to Australia under the auspices of the Imperial. Canadian, and Australian Governments.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINThe application of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company was, I understand, under the consideration of the Australian Premiers at their Conference last week, but I have not yet been informed whether they have arrived at a decision. The bearing of the application on the prospects of the Pacific cable will no doubt have been carefully considered by them.