§ Mr. E. GRENFELLasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the handicap suffered by British trade 2115W with South America in competition with the United States, owing to the fact that the cost of cabling between Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro and London is more expensive than between those places and New York, notwithstanding that there is little difference in the respective distances; and that it costs more to cable from Buenos Aires to London than to Germany, Belgium, and France, although the distance is less; and whether His Majesty's Government intend to take any action in the matter to rectify these anomalies?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHI am aware of the differences of telegraph rates mentioned in the question. The direct routes between London and Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro are under the control of Imperial and International Communications Limited; and the rates charged on these routes are, I understand, under examination by the Imperial Advisory Committee, to which certain functions in regard to the Communications Company's rates are assigned under the agreement with the company.