THE EARL OF LICHFIELDMy Lords, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the reduction of two shillings a word given by the Eastern Telegraph Company for outward messages can be extended to home messages sent by the troops in South Africa.
§ *THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNEI am glad to say that the Eastern Telegraph Company have agreed to give the special rate for home messages as well as outward messages.
§ LORD STRATHCONA AND MOUNT ROYALI should like to know if this concession of half rate will be extended equally to Her Majesty's Canadian and Australian soldiers and to those from the other outlying parts of the Empire—I hardly care to call them Colonies now—from which contingents have been sent to South Africa. It is just as important to these as to the soldiers from the mother country and their friends that they should have every possible facility for their communications, and I am sure the concession would be greatly appreciated.
§ *THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNEI scarcely like to give an answer which 1299 would commit the Eastern Telegraph Company, but I will promise to make inquiries. I think I may say that the Eastern Telegraph Company have shown such a desire to meet the wishes of the service that there is every reason for hoping that, as far as possible, my noble friend's desire may be met.
§ LORD STRATHCONA AND MOUNT ROYALIf it is met, I hope the arrangements will be made with all the expedition possible.
§ House adjourned at five minutes past Five of the clock, to Thursday next, at half-past Ten of the clock.