HC Deb 12 May 1919 vol 115 cc1382-3W
Mr. T1LLETT

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the serious delay and loss to home portal trade and transport caused by the delay in cablegrams and orders from Great Britain to ships in foreign ports; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy such delays and the loss occasioned thereby to British shipping?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

lam aware of the heavy delay which has recently prevailed in telegraphic communication with many foreign countries, and especially with the Far East. The delay has been caused partly by the large amount of Government traffic; I have taken steps to secure the curtailment of this traffic, and to obviate commercial traffic being delayed in favour of Government messages which are not really urgent. Certain important cables which were interrupted have lately been repaired; but the American Pacific cable is still interrupted, and this throws extra work on the British cables in that region. It is expected that the cable will be repaired in a few days' time, and the position will then be improved.