§ MR. SOARES (Devonshire, Barnstaple)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, having regard to the fact that the extension of the trunk telephone system to North Devon was promised in the year 1899, whether the necessary wayleaves have yet been obtained; and, if not, can he state what is the reason of the delay.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe wayleaves have not been obtained, and owing to the difficulties which have been encountered it has now been decided to abandon the route originally proposed for the extension of the trunk telephone line to North Devon, and steps are being taken to carry the line by another route.