§ 11. Sir J. D. REESasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the proprietors of Rhum, Eigg, and Canna paid £150 a year for seven years by way of guarantee to the Post Office for telegraphic facilities; if he will explain why £152 13s. 4d. is now demanded from them after they have for seven years been free from any levy of this description; and why they should pay for a wire used by the inhabitants, by travellers, by yachtsmen, by salvage crews, and for general purposes by all sorts and conditions of men?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on the 2nd instant on this subject.
§ Mr. J. D. REESIs it not the fact that they have complied with all the requirements of the post office.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe question contains a number of argumentative points, but, as I stated in a previous answer, the matter is still being considered, and, in the meantime, no date has been fixed by the Department for the termination of the services.
Mr. CATHCART WASONWill the right hon. Gentleman also consider the circumstances of other telegraphic offices?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am aware that if a concession is made in the case of this telegraph office that claims will be made from a number of places.