§ 106. Sir F. YOUNGasked the Post master-General whether he can report any improvement in cable communication with Australia; whether two more Eastern cables have broken down; and whether, in the interests of Empire communications and trade, the Government will make a special effort to assist the companies concerned by using all its resources to increase the manufacture of new cables'!
§ Mr. PARKERAt present the average delay on telegrams to Australia via the Pacific route is three days. In the homeward direction the delay is a/bout twenty-four hours.- These figures represent a reduction, as compared with the delay in the early part of last month, of eight and ten days, respectively. I understand that the delay is somewhat greater by the route of the Eastern Telegraph Company. Two of the company's cables between this country and Gibraltar have recently been interrupted, but one of them has just been repaired, and a cable ship is engaged on the repair of the other. Any assistance which it is possible for the Government to afford to accelerate the manufacture of new cables required by the company will, of course, be given.
§ Mr. HURDIn view of the serious discrepancies between the statement of the Postmaster-General in this House as to cable delays and the facts, as known to the business community, can the hon. Gentleman make any independent inquiry on the subject?
§ Mr. PARKERI believe that the Post Office Estimates are going to be taken on Thursday, and my hon. Friend can make his point on that occasion.