The National Telephone Company and the Post Office.

HC Deb 08 June 1904 vol 135 cc1068-9

SIR FREDERICK BANBURY

I beg to ask the Postmaster - General when he will be able to acquaint the House with the result of the negotiations now proceeding between the National Telephone Company and the Post Office.

LORD STANLEY

I must refer the hon. Member to the Answer which I gave on the 6th instant to a Question on this subject.† I repeat that these negotiations must take time, and I will fulfil my promise that nothing shall be done with out first submitting the matter to the House of Commons, and Members will b the earliest to be informed of any result that may be arrived at.

† See page 797.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Will any agreement be submitted to the House before it is finally concluded?

LORD STANLEY

Most, certainly. A small Committee will report on it, and after that has been done the agreement; and the Report will be submitted to the; House. I cannot say that it will be this session.