asked whether in 1915 or 1916 any directions were given by the trade division of the Admiralty permitting to certain firms priority in cabling; and, if so, if he will give a list of these firms to whom priority was granted and the dates on which instructions for such priority were issued?

I am informed that no general directions have ever been given conferring priority in cabling. When it has been necessary for firms to send cables on Government business, such cables have from time to time been expedited at the request of the Department affected. Each such case has been judged on its merits, first by the Department making the request, and then by the Chief Censor.