HC Deb 31 August 1893 vol 16 cc1583-4
MR. A. C. MORTON

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether, before entering into any agreement with the National Telephone Company, he will, in the interest of telephone users and the Municipal Authorities of this country, lay a draft of the proposed Agreement upon the Table of this House?

*MR. A. MORLEY

Similar questions were put to me on the 31st ultimo and on the 18th instant, and I must refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on those occasions.

MR. HENNIKER HEATON

This is a matter of very great importance. May I inquire whether the Agreement will be signed very shortly; and whether it will be placed upon the Table in order to be subject to the approval of Parliament?

MR. A. MORLEY

I hope it will be signed very shortly. As I have already stated, it will be submitted to Parliament.

MR. A. C. MORTON

Considering the importance of this question to the country, and especially to traders, may I ask why Parliament cannot see the Agreement before it is signed? Why should there be any secrecy in the matter; and might not the Municipal Authorities have an opportunity of laying their case before the right hon. Gentleman?

*MR. A. MORLEY

There is no necessity for that, as the position of the Municipal Authority will not be affected by the Agreement. A Committee of the House of Commons has considered the whole subject, and reported that the details ought to be carried out upon the responsibility of the Government of the day, and that the Agreement should be laid before Parliament.

MR. HENNIKER HEATON

Will the Agreement be signed almost immediately?

MR. A. MORLEY

I hope very shortly.