PRESS CABLE RATES (AUSTRALIA).

HC Deb 30 June 1925 vol 185 cc2221-2

50 and 51. Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether, seeing that the Australian Government, the Pacific Cablee Board and the Imperial Post Office, subject to Treasury sanction, have agreed to a reduction in cable charges to Australia with full knowledge of all the circumstances, he will inform the House why the Treasury withholds its sanction on the ground of congestion,

(2) whether the Australian Commonwealth has agreed to the reduction in Press cable rates between that country and Great Britain from 1½d. to 6d. a word; and what efforts are being made to put that reduction into effect?

Mr. CHURCHILL

My right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary informed the House on Wednesday last that this matter was under consideration. As a result sanction has now been given to the proposed reduction in the Press cable rate to Australia.