§ 55. Captain CAZALETasked the Postmaster-General whether he contemplates taking any steps to carry out the recommendations of the D'Abernon Report in 892 regard to the charges for telegraphic communications between this country and South America?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHI have noted the complaints of the D Abernon Committee that the cable and wireless rates from the Argentine to London are higher than the rates to New York and Berlin and that the matter calls for immediate attention. This, however, is not a case in which the Post Office can lower the rates, as these are not Post Office services but services carried out by the Imperial and International Communications Company. The matter is under the consideration of the Imperial Communications Advisory Committee who have certain functions in regard to the company's rates.
§ Captain CAZALETDoes the hon. Gentleman think that there will be alteration by way of a redaction of these rates within any reasonable time?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHOf course, an alteration will be effected, if the Communications Company do so. I may say that some weeks ago I called their attention to this matter, and some days ago I sent them a copy of the D'Abernon Committee's remarks about it, and the matter is now being negotiated between them and the Imperial Communications Advisory Committee.