§ Sir T. BENNETTasked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the working of the Pacific cable last year gave a credit balance of over £200,000, the profits of the undertaking are now sufficient to allow the reduction of cable rates provided for in the agreement between the four Governments concerned?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSMy right hon. Friend has no control over the Pacific Cable Board, which consists of representatives of the four Governments who are partners in the undertaking. He understands, however, that the cable is fully occupied, and could not carry the additional traffic which would be attracted by a reduction of rates; and that in these circumstances the Board consider it necessary in the first place to use the financial balances of the last few years in order to provide additional accommodation. He understands further that they propose to consider the question of a reduction of rates as soon as there is accommodation for a substantial increase of traffic.