HC Deb 15 July 1901 vol 97 cc437-8
MR. STUART WORTLEY (Sheffield, Hallam)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the Postmaster General has powers not possessed by private individuals of obtaining way-leaves for telegraphic wires over railway companies' property; and whether, before refusing the recent request of a Sheffield newspaper proprietor for a twenty-four hours private wire between Sheffield and London, the Postmaster General made inquiry whether on any of the three railway lines connecting Sheffield with London the necessary way leaves could be obtained; and, if so, what was the result of such inquiry, and whether the provision of private wire accommodation for mercantile and other firms has been a very remunerative part of the business of the Post Office.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

It is no doubt the fact that the Postmaster General has wayleave facilities not possessed by private individuals in regard to the use of the principal railway lines for the erection of telegraphic wires. The Postmaster General is fully aware of the existence of the three railway lines connecting Sheffield and London as routes for telegraphic purposes, and no special inquiry on the subject was needed. But he thinks it desirable that those overhead routes should, under present circumstances, be reserved for the necessary extension of the public service. The charges for private wires are, of course, fixed on the basis of securing a profit.

SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)

Do I understand that no inquiry is to be made as to whether the railway companies can give facilities?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

No inquiry is needed, because the Postmaster General is in possession of full information.

SIR HOWARD VINCENT

I shall call attention to this on the Post Office Estimates.

MR. STUART WORTLEY

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether a private wire to a Leeds newspaper passes through Sheffield.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir; no private wire to a Leeds newspaper passes through Sheffield.