§ MR. JOHN DEWAR (Inverness)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that the telegraphic communication between the island of Barra, in the Hebrides, and the mainland has been interrupted for several weeks, and that during the past week it has completely broken down; and whether its immediate repair will be undertaken in view of the fact that the fishing season has now opened, and of the importance to those engaged in the fishing industry of the means of telegraphic communication.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe Postmaster General is aware that the cable broke down last week, namely on the 21st ultimo. Although faulty during the previous week it continued working up to that date. The cable ship, after completing some work on which she was engaged and taking on board the necessary materials, left for the Hebrides on the 28th ultimo and the Postmaster General hopes that with favourable weather the repair will be effected by the end of the present week.