§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he has received a copy of a resolution adopted at the recent annual meeting of the Cork Incorporated Chamber of Commerce and Shipping, urging the extension in the interests of trade and commerce in the South of Ireland of necessary telephonic communication with such centres as Charleville, Fermoy, Bantry and Youghal; and whether the postal authorities are prepared to carry out this much needed extension.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONI have received a copy of the resolution referred to by the hon. Member. The question of the extension of the Post Office Telephone System in the South West of Ireland has engaged my careful attention for some time past. Recent inquiries, however, at the places named show that little local support would be given to telephone exchanges except at Fermoy and Bandon. Even in these towns the probable revenue would not cover the estimated cost of the service, but I hope shortly to be able to offer to extend the telephone system to these two places under guarantees, and elsewhere if the guarantee is forthcoming.