§ Mr. LIVINGSTONEasked the Postmaster-General when the present telegraphic cable to the Island of Lewis was first laid down; whether it was new or second-hand when laid; the number of times it has broken down; and the aggregate cost to the public for repairs?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe cable when laid in 1872 was new. Since then it has broken down on 20 occasions, and only about two nautical miles of the original cable now remain. The cost of the1578W repairs between 1872 and 1920 is not readily available; the cost between 1920 and 1926 amounted to £7,940 in all.