§ Mr. MACKARNESSasked whether the Government of India pay a subsidy to Reuter's Telegraphic Agency; and, if so, what is the amount of the subsidy, and in respect of what services it is paid?
The MASTER of ELIBANKThe Government of India pay to Reuter's Agency £1,440 a year for services rendered by them in respect to the distribution of news throughout India; this payment has no connection with the transmission of news from India to other parts of the world.
§ Mr. MACKARNESSMay I ask whether he would suggest to the Government of India that more care should be taken in the telegraphing in future?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman has no control over the telegrams sent.
§ Mr. MACKARNESSWill the payment of the subsidy be made dependent on a little more accuracy being observed?
The MASTER of ELIBANKTechnically it is not a subsidy. The Government of India purchase news from Reuter's for the benefit of high officials throughout the length and breadth of India. As I have already informed the hon. Member they have nothing to do with the news which is telegraphed from India.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a question every hon. Member can answer for himself.