§ Mr. WATTasked the Postmaster-General, whether he was aware that in most local exchanges of the National Telephone Company in Scotland an operator lived on the premises, slept in the exchange room, roused to every call, and was thus always available day and night; and, if so, whether his Department proposed to continue this system on the taking over of the Company, or to close at the same hour as telegraph offices?
§ Captain NORTONMy right hon. Friend is aware that the National Telephone Company gives a continuous service at its exchanges. He does not anticipate that the present facilities for night telephone service—so far as they meet any actual need on the part of the public—will be restricted after the transfer of the Company's system to the State. The question of the extent of Sunday use will require special consideration.