36. Mr. MALONEasked the Post-master-General whether he has considered the terms of the Pacific Cable Board Bill; whether his Department was consulted before the Bill was drafted; and whether he has made a Report on this Bill?
Mr. SAMUELI have been asked to reply. The Pacific Cable Board Bill has been promoted by the Pacific Cable Board to substitute the Communications Company for the Pacific Cable Board in the trust deeds of certain pension and provident funds established on behalf of the staff. The Bill is a necessary step in carrying out the policy laid down in the Imperial Telegraphs Act, 1929. It has been promoted at the request of the Partner Governments interested in the Pacific Cable and West Indian Cable undertakings. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.