§ SIR WILLIAM HOLLAND (Yorkshire W.R., Rotherham)I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he is able to make any further statement either in regard to the discharges by the National Telephone Company in consequence of the nearing of the termination 546 of their lease, or in reference to any arrangements he may have agreed on with them in order to carry on uninterruptedly the construction work.
§ SIR W. J. COLLINS (St. Pancras, W.)I beg also to ask the Postmaster General whether he can give any further information in regard to the discharges by the National Telephone Company in consequence of the nearing of the termination of their lease; and whether he has concluded any arrangements with them in order to carry on the construction work.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONI am glad to say that, in view of the proposals of the Post Office now under consideration by the National Telephone Company, the company have arranged that, in order to avoid discharges which might otherwise take place consequent on the early termination of their lease, especially during the winter months, they have given instructions that as far as possible employment is to be found, and that if necessary new work proper for the company to undertake, having regard to the termination of its licence, may be put in hind earlier than would otherwise be the case. As regards the continuance of construction works, I have made a proposal for the co-operation of the Post Office with the company, which is now under their consideration.
§ MR. CURRAN (Durham, Jarrow)Will the right hon. Gentleman take precautions to prevent the company using old cables and other material in the laying of new lines?
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONIf the hon. Member can give me any information I will look into the matter.