§ 76. Mr. AINSWORTHasked the Postmaster-General whether the telegraph service to the islands of Coll and Tiree has broken down; when the repairing ship can be sent; and whether the additional repairing ship promised some time ago is already available?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Hobhouse)If no unforeseen difficulties occur the cable serving Coll and Tiree will be repaired about three weeks hence. The new cable ship to which the hon. Member refers has not yet been built, but I hope to place the order for her construction during the current financial year.
§ Mr. AINSWORTHHow long does the right hon. Gentleman think it will be before the extra repairing ship will be available, because we were told some time ago that it was in the way of being placed on the station?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI have from time to time to hire an extra ship from the cable 1777 companies if they have one disengaged. I cannot get one built before the next financial year.