§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I bog to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether it is an instruction to postmasters in the country and generally not to forward telegraphic messages over the wires of the National Telephone Company; and, if so, will he explain why this now policy, exemplified in such an instruction, has boon adopted.
§ MR. HANBURYThe Postmaster General does not now undertake to deliver telegrams by telephone to sub scribers of the National Telephone Company who may apply for the privilege, but it has not been withdrawn from any subscribers to whom it has been accorded in the past.
§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONWhen was this extraordinary now principle introduced?
§ MR. HANBURYI do not see that it is extraordinary. The hon. Member must realise that there are obvious disadvantages in the Post Office entering 912 into what is practically a partnership with a private company, especially a private company which is itself in direct competition with the Post Office and persistently refuses similar facilities to Post Office subscribers.