HC Deb 04 February 1913 vol 47 cc2006-7W
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will explain why the proprietors of the islands of Rhum, Eigg, Muck, and Canna are required to pay for the upkeep of the telegraph which is required for the use of lighthouses, distressed mariners, fishing fleets, and the general population; and whether, if the proprietors agree to do without the telegraph, he is prepared to leave the above-mentioned population without the means of communication in times of distress or for the purposes of obtaining a doctor?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

From the time of the transfer of the telegraphs to the State, extensions of the system have not been authorised unless there was a reasonable prospect that the expenditure would be covered by the revenue, or unless the persons to be benefited by the extension guaranteed to pay a fixed proportion of the loss. An examination of the telegrams for the four islands named shows that by far the greater number are concerned with the business or private affairs of the proprietors. In these circumstances I can see no justification for departure from the general rule. It seems possible, I may add, that the Scottish Board of Agriculture may be willing to contribute to the guarantee.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

asked the Postmaster-General how he makes up the sum of £300 as the cost of the telegraph service to the islands of Rhum, Eigg, Muck, and Canna, exclusive of the interest on the original cost; what is the annual salary of the telegraph operator on the island of Canna, and does he pay his own rent; how many linesman's visits were there last year; and whether the linesman is a permanent employé and would, if not employed in service at Canna, be employed elsewhere?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The sum is made up as follows (in round numbers):—

£
Annual cost of maintenance and renewal of cables, wires and instruments 332
Payments for telegraph work (indoors) 38
Do. (outdoors) 30
Less £100 revenue earned = £300.

The sub-postmaster of Canna is paid £4 10s. a year for telegraph work, and this remuneration, as I have already informed the Noble Lord, is based on the amount of work done and not on the rent which the sub-postmaster pays, the amount of which I do not know. As regards the number of visits paid by linesmen and their status in the service, I am having inquiry made.