60. Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the number of people who have friends in Australia and who cannot afford expensive messages, he will consider the advisability of extending the deferred delivery cable rate so that it may be possible to send a message to Australia of ten words for 5s., with a condition that the message may, if necessary, be delayed in its delivery for forty-eight or seventy-two hours, or even longer?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)My negotiations with the Pacific Cable Board and the Cable Companies concerned are nearly completed. On account of the great difference in the time of this country and of Australia, the night cable system would not be applicable; but the cheaper system of week-end cables will, I hope, be introduced. It will not be possible, however, to fix so low a charge as the hon. Member suggests.