§ 28. Mr. FELLasked whether the Government will see that cable companies which between 1st August and 7th September charged their customers not only for the words cabled but also for the words which the Censor eliminated from the cables, sometimes representing nine-tenths of the original message, will be refunded?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEIn accordance with the British announcement through the International Telegraph Bureau all telegrams to and from places abroad are accepted subject to sender's risk, that is to say, subject to the condition that no inquiry can be made as to the disposal of the telegrams, and that claims for the reimbursement of the sums paid for transmission or otherwise cannot be considered. It would be inexpedient on 544 Censorship grounds, even if it were otherwise practicable, to make any general departure from the regulations on the subject.
§ Mr. FELLHave the Government considered the serious question which it is to the Australasian newspapers which now have possibly three-fourths or more of their telegrams excised and yet have to pay for the whole telegram?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEYes. In the case of Press telegrams and those of firms or corporations which have a running account with the cable companies some arrangement is made, and they are only charged for the actual words sent. It is not possible to extend that to all private individuals. Every telegram sent is sent at sender's risk after notice has been given by the cable companies.
§ Mr. FELLIs it not the fact that America and Australasia senders will be subject to the same risks?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEYes—all senders.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSWhy have corporations a special claim as against private senders?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThey have a running account, and the hon. Member can, if he chooses, have a running account.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSWith the same privileges?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSECertainly.