asked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 6 March, Official Report, column 731, regarding the dimensions of the BT undersea cable running between Douglas and Colwyn Bay, what information he has as to the texture and appearance of the external surface of the cable.

I understand that the cable is covered in standard spirally wound jute and then covered in tar; it is dark in colour and its texture remains slightly sticky due to being constantly surrounded by water.