§ MR. CAVE (Surrey, Kingston)To ask the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that in July, 1907, he contracted with certain residents in Kersefield Road, Putney, for placing telephones in their houses, and that the carrying out of such contracts has been delayed by reason of the refusal of the local authority to consent to the erection of telephone poles for the purpose, he proposes forthwith to refer the difference to the Courts; and, if not, whether, in view of the delay and inconvenience caused to the residents, he will consent to the telephones being fixed by the National Telephone Company, who are willing to undertake the duty forthwith.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The delay in the provision of the telephone circuits in question, as the hon. Member states, is due to the refusal of the Wands-worth Borough Council to grant the necessary wayleave. The Council have been urged to reconsider their refusal, with the object of obviating the necessity for legal action. I have no information respecting the National Telephone Company's ability to give the service.