§ MR. LODER (Brighton)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he can give any explanation of the condition of the trunk telephone lines between London and Brighton, and of the constant interruptions which occur.
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) The trunk lines between London and Brighton are in good condition and work very satisfactorily as a rule. Three new lines were brought into use in November last, and there is little delay in obtaining communication with London. On three days recently the time occupied in trunk calls has exceeded thirty minutes owing to the temporary 631 interruption of some of the lines. These interruptions were chiefly due to alterations of wires in progress on the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway.