§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONasked whether the attention of the Postmaster-General has been drawn to the Debate in the Canadian House of Commons upon cable rates; whether he is aware that Mr. Lemieux moved a resolution in favour of the further reduction of cable rates between Great Britain and Canada, and demanded 6d. a word for ordinary traffic and 3d. a word for Press messages, and that the Canadian Postmaster-General stated that he had asked the Postmaster-General to use his authority to promote easy and cheap communication between the Mother-country and Canada; and will he say what he proposes to do to carry out the wish of Canada, as expressed by all parties in the Canadian House, for a cable owned by British subjects not controlled by Foreign capital?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am aware that in the Debate to which the hon. Member refers a general desire was expressed in the Canadian House of Commons for cheap and easy communication between Canada and the United Kingdom, a desire which is fully shared by His 1036 Majesty's Government; but no resolution was adopted in favour of any specific rates or recommending any definite lines of policy. The Postmaster-General of Canada stated that he did not think that a State-owned cable would be necessary. When the question of a State-owned cable to Canada was considered by the Imperial Conference last year, I intimated that endeavours were being made to obtain a reduction of 50 per cent. in favour of non-urgent messages in plain language, and also, if possible, a reduction in the rate for Press telegrams. These reductions have since been secured, together with a large reduction in the rates for deferred messages known as cable-letters. I do not wish to regard these reductions as final, but I cannot see my way to demand further reductions at present. Any company coming forward to lay a cable owned by British subjects between Canada and the United Kingdom, either with a reduced tariff or at the rates now in force, would be welcomed by His Majesty's Government; but they are not prepared to grant a subsidy for the formation of such a company.
Sir GILBERT PARKERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Government would not consider it advisable, in view of the opinions they hold, to make direct proposals to the Canadian Government concerning this All-British cable route, inasmuch as the Colonies or Oversea Dominions do not hesitate to make important proposals to this Government when they consider it necessary?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELHis Majesty's Government are not in favour of a State-owned Atlantic cable.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEIs it not a fact that the Canadians are not at all pleased with the present rates even since the reduction, and that New Zealand strongly favours the laying of a State-owned Atlantic cable?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI know that further reductions are much desired on both sides of the Atlantic.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONMay I ask the Postmaster-General, in reference to the last part of his answer, whether a proposal has been made by any company in this country to lay a cable with British capital, and with cheaper rates?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELNo, Sir; not that I am aware of.