HC Deb 09 September 1914 vol 66 cc571-2
Mr. NEEDHAM

asked whether arrangements are being made by which commercial code cables can be used?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer to a similar question on the 27th ult. I said it was not at present possible to relax the regulations.

Mr. NEEDHAM

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered how far the obligation to use a plain cable is retarding the recommencement of trade; and how far that is in accordance with the wishes of the Government that industry should be carried on?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I am afraid it is quite impossible. A commercial code might be used to conceal a message that does not appear on the face of the words used. In the opinion of the Admiralty and War Office it is not possible at present to relax the rule.

Mr. NEEDHAM

Has it been pointed out to the right hon. Gentleman that the most rigorous conditions possible to be applied by the naval and military authorities would be adhered to—fines, imprisonment, punishment by death for treason?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

By that time the mischief might have been done by the conveyance of such message. I have put forward the views of the hon. Gentleman but have been quite unable to persuade either the War Office or the Admiralty of the soundness of them.

Mr. MORRELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman obtain a reduction in the cable rates for uncoded messages while the prohibition of the codes continues?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

That depends not upon the Post Office, but upon the cable companies.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the South American cable companies have taken advantage of the situation to abolish their cheap rates, and to make the public pay double, in some cases, for uncoded messages?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

That fact has not been brought to my notice, but I have no authority to deal with it; nothing but legislation can remedy that.

Mr. ALDEN

Can the right hon. Gentleman take steps to expedite the examination of cable messages, whether delayed or forwarded direct?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The censorship is not in my hands, but under the control of the War Office and the Admiralty. I am afraid I have no power in that respect.