§ Mr. M'ARTHURasked the Postmaster-General whether he has succeeded in making an arrangement with the National Telephone Company for the continuance of constructional work on the telephone system by the company till the end of its licence; and, if not, what action, if any, he proposes to take to prevent or provide for the threatened discharge of the constructional staff by the company?
§ Mr. BUXTONI am afraid I have nothing further to add as yet to my previous answer. The negotiations with the National Telephone Company for the continuance of construction works are still in progress.
§ Mr. CROOKSWould it not be as well to give the House a return showing exactly what was happening, as these alarmist rumours are going about?
§ Mr. BUXTONI will consider that. I have made a statement once or twice endeavouring to allay alarm as to the very great exaggerations on the part of the Press as to the number of men who are likely to be dismissed or who are under notice of dismissal. There is very great exaggeration.