76. MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked the Postmaster-General why he has particularly chosen the Board of Agriculture in Scotland as the Department which ought to subscribe towards the deficit in respect of the telegraph service to the islands of Rhum, Eigg, Muck, and Canna; and why the Postal Department, the Northern Lights Commissioners, the Admiralty, or the War Office have not been approached in a similar manner in the matter?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI suggested that the Board of Agriculture in Scotland might take part in the telegraph guarantees to which the Noble Lord refers, because that Department already contributes in other cases. The Post Office now bears two-thirds of the loss under every telegraph guarantee. It has not been the practice of the Northern Lights Commissioners, the Admiralty, or the War Office to take part in guarantees.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEHas not the Board of Agriculture probably less to do with the questions concerned, and the other Departments more, and might not the right hon. Gentleman approach the other Departments; incidentally may I ask if he has approached the Board of Agriculture yet?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELYes, some communications have passed between the Department and the Board of Agriculture, which acts on behalf of the inhabitants to develop the district. I do not know that the War Office, and to some slighter extent the Admiralty, are very much concerned in these matters.