§ 53. Mr. BRADYasked whether the Postmaster-General's attention has been drawn to the resolution of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, and adopted at the annual meeting of the Association of Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom, complaining of the frequent interruptions of the telegraphic service to Dublin viâ Holyhead; and whether he is prepared to adopt the suggestion that underground wires should be laid to obviate the frequent delays in the transmission of messages?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELAs informed my hon. Friend in an answer to a question on the 12th February, there are eleven cables now crossing the Irish Channel from four different points on the coasts of Wales or Scotland, and, as the lines connected with these cables are never interrupted simultaneously, the slight additional protection afforded by an underground line on one route would be out of proportion to the heavy cost involved in its provision.
§ Mr. BRADYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that since 1st January there have been many complete breakdowns in the transmission of telegraphic messages between Dublin stock Exchange and London, and that thirteen occurred during last February?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe direct line between Dublin stock Exchange and London has been interrupted from time to time, but generally within a few minutes other lines of communication have been utilised. All telegraph lines are more or less liable to interruption from time to time.
§ Mr. BRADYIs it not the fact that there is congestion on the other lines, and that messages ordinarily sent by Anglesey are sent over other lines in the North of Ireland.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI do not think there is any congestion. There have been interruptions of the Dublin stock Exchange line, but there have been always other means of communication available. These interruptions are not due to storms; they are electric.