§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether any modifications have been agreed to in the arrangements lately entered into between the United Telephone Company and the Government; and, if so, what is the effect of such changes.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir, there has been no modification.
§ MR. LOUGHBut we are told that some assurances have been given. Cannot the hon. Member say what they are?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI do not think any assurances have been given. I cannot undertake to explain statements that appear in the Press, but it will probably be sufficient for the hon. Member to know that the agreement stands, and no modification has been made.
SIR H. CAMPBELL BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)On this question, the hon. Gentleman speaks of statements that have appeared in the Press. But there is one definite statement made by the Prime Minister, who declined to answer some memorial which was presented to him on the subject, because, he said, he did not want to do so until the matter had been considered in Parliament. Therefore, I will ask the hon. Gentleman if care will be taken that an opportunity is given before the debate on the Address finishes.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI understand that the Amendment on the Paper will be moved. The House will, therefore, have an opportunity of discussing it, and I think it is most desirable that the subject should be discussed.