HC Deb 13 July 1909 vol 7 cc1848-9
Mr. RENWICK

asked the Postmaster-General whether he had now considered the memorial from the Association of Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom in regard to the telephone service; and what steps he intended to take in the interests of users as to the conclusions in the memorial, that the antiquated and obsolete plant of the National Telephone Company was a serious barrier to the efficiency of the service, that the National Telephone Company should be compelled to incur the necessary expenditure of capital to ensure a more efficient service between now and 31st December, 1911, and that the new measured rate is-exorbitant and beyond what is a necessary charge for services rendered to the subscriber, and, consequently places a heavy burden upon the commercial community?

Mr. BUXTON

I carefully considered the memorial of the Association of Chambers of Commerce referred to in the question and sent a full reply on the 19th ultimo. I am forwarding a copy of the reply to the hon. Member.

Mr. RENWICK

Has the Government no power to compel the National Telephone Company to keep its service up-to-date?

Mr. BUXTON

I have no such power, but the condition of the plant when the question of purchase arises is a material one with regard to the amount to be paid for it.

Mr. P. CURRAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the National Telephone Company is now starving the system in various parts of the country? Is he prepared to let this go on until 1911?

Mr. BUXTON

Surely that is not the fact? If the company are doing so it will be very much to their detriment when the question of purchase arises. I am in negotiation with the company on the question of an earlier purchase.

Mr. CURRAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the convenience of the community who use the National Telephone Company's service?

Mr. BUXTON

Yes, of course, and I said the other day it would be to the advantage of telephone users if the two or three years' interval could be bridged over by an earlier purchase. But it is not quite so easy a matter as appears on the face of it.