§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN (Cork)To ask the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to a resolution of the Cork Incorporated Chamber of Commerce and Shipping respecting the necessity for an extension of the trunk telephone system to such important centres in the South of Ireland as Fermoy, Youghal, Clonmel, Tralee, and Killarney; and, if so, whether he will be able at an early date to extend the telephone system to the places named.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) I have received a copy of the resolution of the Cork Incorporated Chamber of Commerce and Shipping as to the extension of the telephone trunk wire system in the South of Ireland. That question is now under consideration. At present there does not seem to be sufficient demand for telephonic facilities at Youghal and Fermoy to justify an extension to those towns; but I shall be glad to receive the names of persons who are willing to become subscribers to Post Office exchanges. A canvass is being made in Killarney and the surrounding district with a view to the establishment of an exchange and to its connection with the trunk wire system, if sufficient support is forthcoming. The National Telephone Company have exchanges at Clonmel and Tralee. The company are also considering the question of opening exchanges at Cahir and Carrick-on-Suir, and I am in correspondence with them as to the possibility 1449 of connecting these exchanges with the trunk wire system.