HC Deb 26 February 1891 vol 350 cc1687-8
MR. F.S.STEVENSON (Suffolk, Eye)

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether his attention has been called to the serious inconvenience caused to the inhabitants of Fressingfield and the neighbouring parishes owing to the absence of telegraphic communication; whether he is aware that Fressingfield has a population of more than 1,200 inhabitants, that the adjoining parishes are also large, and the nearest telegraph offices are Harleston, which is 4½ miles from Fressingfield, and Stradbroke, which is situated at a distance of 4 miles; and whether he will consent to the establishment of a Telegraph Office at Fressingfield in conjunction with the existing Post Office?

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES, Cambridge University)

In reply to the hon. Member, I have to say that certain of the inhabitants of Fressingfield have recently undertaken to enter into a guarantee for a Telegraph Office there; that the deed of arrangement is now in their hands for signature; and that if the deed be duly executed the extension can be carried out early nex financial year.

MR. F. S. STEVENSON

This is the case of a large parish occupying an important position. Is it necessary to go through the formality of a guarantee before establishing a telegraph service?

MR. RAIKES

Yes, Sir; that is the universal practice.