HC Deb 30 April 1900 vol 82 cc282-3
MR. KIMBER (Wandsworth)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, what is the cause of the delay in the announcement expected by the public of the telephonic arrangements proposed to be offered by the General Post Office, and when they are likely to come into operation; and is he aware that the National Telephone Company are serving notices upon the present telephone renters that they may at any moment have their telephone communications withdrawn in consequence, as the company alleges, of the refusal of the London County Council to give the company underground way-leave, whereas the County Council have in fact offered to give such leave if the company will give the public intercommunication.

MR. HANBURY

As I explained in answer to a previous question of the hon. Member, it is not considered expedient to announce the rates of subscription to Post Office Telephone Exchanges until further progress has been made with the arrangements. The Postmaster General has no means of knowing what notices are sent by the National Telephone Company to their subscribers except from the ordinary sources of information. But the hon. Member for Battersea on Friday stated in this House the terms upon which alone the County Council would give underground wayleaves to the company.* The conditions imposed are wholly in the public interest, and I am in entire agreement with the County Council in the course they are taking.

MR. KIMBER

But what is the cause of the delay?

MR. HANBURY

Naturally we do not care to announce our rates until we are ready to ask for subscribers. We do not want to give any advantage to the National Telephone Company.

MR. KIMBER

When will the new system be ready?

MR. HANBURY

I hope the proposed arrangements will come into operation during the autumn or before the end of this year.