MR. A. S. T. GRIFFITH-BOS-CAWEN (Kent, Tunbridge)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he can now state if an inquiry is to be held into the alleged inefficiency and costliness of the telephone service at Tunbridge Wells. Whether such inquiry will be a public inquiry; Whether opportunity will be given to the members of the local telephone committee, and other persons interested of giving evidence; and, whether the inquiry will be held by an official of the Post Office or by some independent person chosen for the purpose?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr R. W. HANBURY, Preston)Yes Sir. It is proposed to hold such an inquiry, and I assume without delay. As in other cases where a primâ facie case of inefficiency is shown, it will be a public inquiry at which the persons most interested will be heard, and it will be conducted by some independent person with legal or professional qualifications.