SIR MANCHERJEE BHOWN-AGGREE (Bethnal Green, N.E.)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if any loss has resulted since the reduction of the telegraphic rates between Great Britain and India; and, if so, will he give the actual figures of such loss for each year; and also state whether any compensation has been paid on account of such loss, and in what proportion it was charged to the British and Indian Exchequers respectively.
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) Yes. The telegraph rates were reduced between Europe and India from the 1st March, 1902. For the thirteen months ending 31st March, 1903, the loss of revenue was calculated to have been £48,769, and for the year 1903–4, £5,214. The Government of India is responsible for the repayment of one-third of this loss to the telegraph administrations concerned. The British Exchequer takes no share in the compensation paid. For the year 1904–5 there has been no loss of revenue owing to the reduction of rate.