HC Deb 28 March 1912 vol 36 cc753-4W
Major ARCHER-SHEE

asked the Postmaster-General what is the total number of words sent over the Pacific cable system, exclusive of inter-colonial traffic beween Australia and New Zealand and the Fijis, from the 1st April, 1911, to the 29th February, 1912, and what proportion of these were ordinary, Government, and Press words?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I am informed that the total number of words-sent over the Pacific cable from 1st April, 1911, to the 29th February, 1912, exclusive of inter-colonial traffic between Australia and New Zealand and the Fijis, was 1,933,555. The total was made up as follows:—

Description of Traffic. Number of Words.
Ordinary 1,233,199
Government 152,793
Press 474,178
Deferred Ordinary* 28,392
Deferred Press†. 44,993
Total 1,933,555
* From 1st January, 1912.
† From 6th December, 1911.

Major ARCHER-SHEE

asked the Postmaster-General what was the total number of words in messages originating in the United Kingdom or from the East side of the Atlantic Ocean included in the 1,850,000 words sent over the Pacific cable during the year ending 31st March, 1911?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I am informed that the total number of words in messages for the Pacific cable from the East side of the Atlantic Ocean during the year ended 31st March, 1911, is 502,472, of which 484,182 originated in the United Kingdom.