§ SIR EDWARD SASSOONTo ask the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the results achieved and the responsiveness of the traffic consequent on the last reduction of the Indian cable rate, he will assist the efforts of Lord Curzon for obtaining a further reduction of 2s. a word.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) I should welcome the reduction of the rate to 2s. a word; but, until I am in possession of the figures of the working of the traffic for the financial year 1903–4, which completes the period of three years under the new system, I shall not be in a 148 position to say whether I am entitled take any action under the agreement with the telegraph companies concerned.