§ 63. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the Pacific Cable Board, the Australian Government and his own Department have agreed to a reduction in existing Press cable rates to Australia to 6d. per word, he will, in view of the great importance of cheapening inter-Empire communications, urge the Treasury to expedite this unanimous request at the earliest possible opportunity?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONMy acquiescence in this proposal was given subject to the concurrence of the Treasury and the Pacific Cable Board, who are primarily concerned in it so far as Great Britain is concerned, and pending the consideration by those authorities of the points referred to in the reply given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on the 17th June to my hon. Friend the Member for Acton, I can add nothing to that reply.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINDid not the official who represented the Treasury at the conference which took place, agree with this proposal?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL - THOMSONObviously that question must be addressed to the Treasury.