§ 54. Mr. LYONSasked the Postmaster-General the terms per word upon which the Post Office is paid for messages sent via the Imperial Cables and Communications route, and the difference, if any, upon transmission by any other system?
§ Sir K. WOODFor telegrams handed in at post offices and sent by the routes of Imperial and International Communications, Limited, the Post Office receives the ordinary inland telegraph rate of 1d. per word with a minimum of 1s. per telegram. For letter-telegrams the Post Office receives ¾d. per word with a minimum of ls. 3d. The same rates are charged for all other Cable Companies' traffic, except in one case where special conditions prevail and rates are charged on an entirely different basis.
§ Mr. LYONSMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman what is the system on which this special arrangement is based?
§ Sir K. WOODI would prefer at a favourable time to explain it privately to my hon. Friend.