HC Deb 17 February 1902 vol 103 cc182-3
SIR EDWARD SASSOON (Hythe)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, whether the prospect of a further reduction to 2s. per word in the telegraphic rate to and from India is contemplated, contingent on a certain standard of earnings being maintained; and, if so, will he state to the House the standard so prescribed.

LORD G. HAMILTON

The understanding with the Eastern and Indo-European Telegraph Companies is that if a any time after the introduction of the 2s. 6d. rate the average revenue of the Cis-Indian Joint Purse of the three preceding years, whether wholly at 2s. 6d., or partly at 4s. and partly at 2s. 6d. a word, shall amount to £360,000, a rate of 2s. a word will be at once introduced, provided that the necessary arrangements can be made with the Foreign Administrations interested.