§ MR. JOHN HOPE (Fife, W.)I beg to ask the Postmaster General if he is aware that on Wednesday, 3rd September last, telegraphic communication between England and Scotland was almost entirely suspended, causing inconvenience and loss; and whether, looking to the frequency of such breakdowns in the telegraph wires, will he give some assurance that the underground system will be extended to the principal commercial centres of Scotland.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI am aware that telegraphic communication with Scotland was seriously interrupted on the 3rd ultimo, with the result, I regret to say, that the traffic was considerably delayed. I fully recognise the importance of an extension of the underground system, and shall make as much progress with it this year as the funds voted by Parliament for that purpose admit of.