§ Mr. AINSWORTHasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the telegraphic communication with the Island of Tiree has been for some months interrupted, and that loss and inconvenience has been suffered in consequence; whether he will arrange that this should be dealt with at once; and whether he will consider the desirability of strengthening 1034 the repairing staff so that such breakdowns might in future be dealt with without delay?
§ Captain NORTONTelegraphic communication between Tiree and the mainland has been interrupted since December last until yesterday, when the repair of the cable was completed. The delay in effecting this repair was mainly due to the only Post Office cable ship able to work in the deep water on the West of Scotland being laid up for refit. Provision has been made in this year's Estimates towards the construction of another vessel of this class.