§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONasked 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 LAWSONWhen will that be—this Session?
§ Captain NORTONMy right hon. Friend says "shortly."