HC Deb 13 November 1911 vol 31 c11
Mr. HARRY LAWSON

asked the Postmaster-General (1), whether, in view of the General Election in the Dominion of Canada and the change of Government there, he has communicated with the Canadian Postmaster-General in regard to the high cable charges with the purpose of securing a reduction, either by the laying of an Imperial State-owned cable or in any other way; and (2), whether, as a result of statements made by himself and other Ministers at the Imperial Conference, a reduced rate for cable press messages and other cable communications within the Empire, and especially to Canada, may soon be expected; whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a United States corporation has recently obtained control, by lease for ninety-nine years, of the cables owned by British companies; and if he has further considered the advisability of recommending the laying of a State-owned cable across the Atlantic, which would make cheaper cable communication possible and complete the All-British cable from Australasia to the Mother-Country?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Captain Norton)

My right hon. Friend regrets that he is not in a position at present to make a statement on either of the questions. He hopes shortly to be able to do so.

Mr. HARRY LAWSON

When will that be—this Session?

Captain NORTON

My right hon. Friend says "shortly."