§ MR. A. ALLEN (Christchurch)To ask the Postmaster-General if he can state what are the precise difficulties which stand in the way of the establishment by the Post Office of a telephone exchange to serve the districts of Finchley 857 and Hendon; and whether in view of the inconvenience caused by the absence of such an exchange, he can hold out any hope that these difficulties will be overcome at an early date.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton) A scheme was drawn up some time ago for providing an exchange service in the districts of Finchley and Hendon, but the final settlement of the plans has been considerably delayed by the unwillingness of the local authorities to grant necessary wayleaves. A site has been purchased and plans prepared for the exchange building, the erection of which will be begun at an early date. If the local authorities will render reasonable assistance, as now appears probable, the exchange system will, I hope, be ready for use during the first half of next year.