§ 23. Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that cable companies are charging the same rates per word en clair as they formerly charged for code words, and at the same time have withdrawn their deferred rates for messages en clair and their week-end rates, and that the cable expenses of British firms and companies 934 are in consequence in many cases doubled and trebled, to the serious hampering of trade at a time when it needs assistance, and has exceptional opportunities of expansion; and whether His Majesty's Government will endeavour to obtain the restoration of withdrawn facilities and the establishment of such rates for plain-word messages which shall not increase the cost for cabling to British trade?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEMy right hon. Friend has asked me to take this question. I fear I cannot at present add anything to the replies I have already given to the hon. Member for South-West Manchester and others on the subject.
§ Sir J. HARMOOD-BANNERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in the interest of the public, he will exercise some pressure?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI have already explained to the House that the responsibility does not rest with me, but with the companies who make the charge upon their own responsibility. I have no authority unless there was special legislation.