§ SIR MARK STEWART (Kirkcudbright)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Post-master General, if it is the practice of the Post Office to substitute a telephone for a telegraph where the guarantors have signed an agreement with the Post Office for a telegraph service; and, if it is so, will he state the reasons?
§ MR. HANBURYThe hon. Member is no doubt aware that it has been judiciously decided that the definition of telegraph includes a telephone. In agreements of the kind referred to there is no provision as to the particular form of instrument to be used. The guarantee for a telegraph extension is based on the most suitable method of serving the office, and if a telephone is used it is because it offers advantages over other forms of telegraph apparatus, cither in regard to initial cost, maintenance, or working.