80. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Postmaster-General when the breakdown of the cable between Orkney and Shetland occurred and between Orkney and the mainland; and if, in view of the inconvenience and loss which has been caused the two counties by the delay to the ordinary methods of communication, he will take into consideration the advisability of obtaining a second repair ship?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe breakdown of the cable between Orkney and Shetland occurred on the 21st of November, and that between Orkney and the mainland on the 8th instant. Of the two Post Office cable ships the "Alert" is suitable only for channel work. The larger ship, the "Monarch," has been engaged throughout the winter on urgent work on cables to Ireland. It was hoped to release her for dispatch to the Orkneys yesterday, but she has unfortunately met with an accident and must be docked. I am assured that the only private cable ship available is the "Telconia," and I have arranged for her to be chartered for dispatch to the Orkneys at the earliest possible moment.
Mr. CATHCART WASONCan the right hon. Gentleman say why there has 1772 been so long a delay in carrying out the repair of the cable between Orkney and Shetland?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEWe had to repair the cables with Ireland. The weather was extremely stormy, and the work, I understand, has to be carried on from day to day. We have arranged for the "Monarch" to go and repair the cable to Orkney.