§ MR. JACOB BRIGHT (Manchester, S.W.)asked the Postmaster General, If he is aware that there is communication by telephone between Hamburg and Berlin, between Rouen and Paris, and between towns widely distant from each other in the United States; will he state to the House whether his Department has, from time to time, received representations from Manchester in favour of telephonic communication between Manchester and London; and, whether he will take steps that what is done in other countries may also be done in 665 England, to the advantage of the commerce of the country?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)I have been informed that telephonic communication has been established between Hamburg and Berlin, Paris and Rouen, and between other towns on the Continent of Europe, and also in America. The Post Office has not received representations from Manchester in favour of telephonic communication between that town and London. The United Telephone Company recently asked the terms upon which the Department would provide telephone wires between London and Manchester; but, up to the present time, I have received no answer to the letter which I have caused to be addressed to them on the subject. Having regard to the cheap and swift means of communication which at present exist by means of the telegraph between the principle towns in the United Kingdom, I am inclined to think that it is extremely doubtful whether there would be much public advantage in establishing telephonic communication generally between those towns.
§ MR. JACOB BRIGHTWould the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is practicable to have telephonic communication between London and Manchester; and whether there would be any difficulty in establishing such communication?
§ MR. RAIKESI am advised that it is practicable to do so; but there would be considerable expense in procuring new way-leaves, as the poles at present in use could not be made available for telephonic purposes. The machinery would be expensive; but, subject to that, I believe there is no practical impossibility.