§ Mr. CLOUGHasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the extreme delay in all cables from the Mid and Far East and from Africa; if he is aware that from ten days to a fortnight often elapse before the public is informed of events of the utmost importance, and if under these circumstances he will instruct the Departments concerned to issue for the public information, official messages which they receive promptly, owing to preference in cabling, for the information and instruction of the nation?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe delay was caused by two faults on the main cables of the Eastern Telegraph Company. These have now been rectified, and the situation is becoming normal as arrears are worked off. The various Departments have done, and will continue to do, what they can to facilitate the early issue of news to the public.