MR. P. J. O'BRIEN (Tipperary, N.)To ask the Postmaster-General if he has ascertained the probable cost of extending telephonic connection to Nenagh via Limerick; if he will state how many annual subscribers at Nenagh the Department would require to secure the project being carried out; and if he will say, in view of the necessary guarantees being forthcoming, he will give the matter his favourable consideration.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) From the estimates which have been obtained of the cost of constructing the telephone trunk line and exchange at Nenagh and of the cost of their working and maintenance, it appears that about fifty subscribers at the message rate, or about twenty-five at the unlimited service rate would be necessary. If the requisite number of subscribers were forthcoming or if a guarantee of revenue in respect of trunk line of £145 a year could be given, the arrangement would be carried out at once.