SIR H. COWANasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that cablegrams from Australia are now rarely transmitted without mutilation necessitating repetition; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to the commercial community by the consequent delay in dealing with urgent matters, he will take steps to ensure a more efficient service?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe conditions of pressure on the cables which existed during the War have not yet ceased, and the risk of error in transmission is in consequence greater than it would be under normal conditions. I have, however, no reason whatever to think that there has been any great increase in the percentage of errors. I am assured by the cable authorities concerned that every effort is 1835W being made to improve their services both in respect of accuracy of transmission and rapidity. If the hon. Member will supply me with instances of the errors he has in mind, I will have inquiry made.