§ Sir R. HAMILTONasked the Postmaster-General when it is expected that telegraphic communication will be restored between Kirkwall and Westray; and if he will give the dates on which this cable has been interrupted since the War and the dates on which repairs have been effected?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHI regret that it is not possible to give even an approximate date for the restoration of cable communication with Westray. There is a heavy programme of repair work on important cables; and in any case repairs are extremely difficult during the winter months in the North of Scotland. Cable communication with Westray has been interrupted on six occasions since the War. The dates of interruption and restoration were as follow:
Date of Interruption. Date of Restoration. 1. 16th November, 1919 30th March, 1920. 2. 10th February, 1922 26th June, 1922. 3. 10th December, 1923 28th June, 1924. 4. 25th December, 1924 15th April, 1925. 5. 12th November, 1926 18th March, 1927. 6. 31st December, 1929 Not yet restored.