§ DR. CAMERON (Glasgow, College)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether, in view of the fact that the patent for the telephone in use by the company which possesses a practical monopoly of telephonic communication in Great Britain has now expired, and in view of the numerous complaints on the part of the public as to high rates and faulty service resulting from that monopoly, he will, with as little delay as possible, make known his decision as to applications for licences submitted to the Post Office by proposed competitors desiring to introduce loud speaking and long distance telephones, and other forms of improved instruments?
§ MR. RAIKESIn reply to the hon. Member I have to say that I trust that I may be able at an early date to announce the decision of the Government with regard to licences for Telephone Exchanges. It should be borne in mind that the patents for the more important telephones have not expired and do not expire until July in next year.