§ 118. Mr. SHORTasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the telegraphic delays which occur above the normal time required in the transmission of messages between England and Holland; that this delay in cases amounts to twenty hours, whereas between France and Holland it is only three hours; that between Belgium and Holland there is no delay in transmission of telegraphic messages; that the delay between England and Holland results in the Dutch Press being very badly informed on English affairs; that French and German news get through much quicker, and appear in earlier editions sometimes a whole day before the English news; whether any steps can be taken on the English side to remedy this delay; whether the congestion arises through the temporary time-limit which has been imposed for the handing in of telegrams after 6 p.m. and before 9 a.m. at a charge of 1d. per word, messages handed in between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. being charged at the rate of 2d. per word; and whether he will take steps to have this remedied so as to ensure a quicker and better service between this country and Holland?
§ Mr. PEASEThe delay sustained by telegrams exchanged with Holland has been due to heavy pressure on traffic. The service has, however, recently been improved by an extension of the use of multiplex apparatus, and the present delay in the outward direction under normal conditions is from four to six hours. Steps are being taken to improve the service further.
I am informed that direct telegraphic communication has not been re-established between Holland and France. At present the telegrams are being sent [...] this country, and add materially to the congestion. It is probably the case that the direct land 669 lines between Holland on the one hand and Belgium and Germany on the other afford a more rapid service than the cables with this country. The condition that Press telegrams sent at reduced rates must be handed in and transmitted between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. is laid down by the International Telegraph Regulations. It was suspended during the War, but has again been brought into operation under the normal arrangements with the foreign Administrations concerned. I do not think that it has caused any addition to the delay.
I should add that a wireless service has been in operation for some months between this country and Amsterdam as an auxiliary to the cable service.