§ SIR JOHN LENG (Dundee)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the conclusion of the war in South Africa and the diminished demands upon the Exchequer, he can see his way to increase the allowance made in the Estimates for the extension of underground telegraphic wires to the North of England and Scotland, with the view of preventing the interruption of telegraphic communication in winter with Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other large centres of population in Scotland.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF HIE EXCHEQUER (Sir M. HICKS BEACH,) Bristol, W.A considerable sum is provided in this year's Estimates for the extension of underground telegraphic wires to the North, and I do not think it can be increased on account of the close of the war. I have already stated that savings from that cause should go to the reduction of the debt incurred for the war.