HC Deb 10 September 1914 vol 66 cc634-6
37. Mr. COWAN

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the cable companies, while making largely increased profits by the prohibition of code messages, show no disposition to consider the public convenience by reducing rates or otherwise, he will consider the desirability in the public interest of the Government taking steps to assume entire control of all British cables during the continuance of the War?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Hobhouse)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to take this question. The Government are now considering proposals which have been made by certain important cable companies for the reduction of cable rates during the continuance of the present prohibition of code messages.

Mr. COWAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the prohibition of the use of codes entitled the cable companies to refuse to transmit messages to abbreviated addresses?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The transmission of telegrams by the cable companies is under regulations of the War Office and the Admiralty. I, as far as my capacity is concerned, am merely a transmitting agent.

Mr. COWAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring the question of the use of abbreviated telegraphic addresses before the cable companies?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Perhaps I can make my meaning clearer. It is not a question of bringing it before the cable companies; it is a question whether the Censor, who acts under the direction of the Admiralty and the War Office, will agree to the transmission of code addresses.

Mr. COWAN

Can the right hon. Gentleman suggest any reason why abbreviated telegraphic addresses should not be used?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I am told by the Admiralty and the War Office that there are excellent reasons. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to know what they are, he must address his question to those two offices.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why, as soon as code messages were prohibited, the companies abolished also the cheap half-rate?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The matter was brought to my notice yesterday, and, as I have said, certain proposals are now under consideration with the various cable companies for the future transmission of messages and cablegrams.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it fair to the public that cable companies should be allowed to take advantage of military necessities to double their rates?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I am afraid I cannot make myself responsible for the morality of commercial companies.