§ 76. Sir ARTHUR FELLasked the Postmaster General if many of the submarine cables are interrupted or out of repair at the present time; if the delay in delivery of cable messages is attributable to this cause; if the cable-repairing steamers have been released and are at work; and, if not, when will they be able to effect the repairs needed?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHSeveral submarine cables starting from this country are at present interrupted, especially on the route of the Eastern Telegraph Company. The delay in the delivery of cable messages is largely due to this cause, combined with the large increase of traffic, and especially of Government traffic, the curtailment of which I am doing my utmost to secure. All suitable cable-ships are engaged on the work of repair, but at this season of the year such work is difficult. No cable-ship is or has been taken by the Government from her proper work for other purposes, and there is therefore no question of the release of such ships.
§ Sir A. FELLDoes the right hon. Gentleman expect an improvement shortly in the time taken in respect of these cables?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHI hope so. We are doing everything we can to expedite them, and also to curtail the very large number of Government messages.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKIs not the delay due to the inordinate length and often very unnecessary character of Government messages?