HC Deb 23 July 1901 vol 97 cc1328-9
SIR EDWARD SASSOON (Hythe)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is able to hold out any expectation of the arrangement for the reduction in the telegraphic tariff to and from India coming into force within a measurable distance of time, which the present President of the Board of Agriculture declared fifteen months ago to be all but signed; also, whether the various pooling arrangements to which the Indian Government committed themselves are to continue for an indefinite term of years.

LORD G. HAMILTON

The subjects to which my hon. friend's question refers are under the consideration of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Cable Communications. Pending the receipt of their Report I am not in a position to make any announcement on these subjects.

SIR EDWARD SASSOON

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to facilitate the decision of the matter.

LORD G. HAMILTON

I agree that the matter is urgent. I understand that the report will be shortly completed.