§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the National Telephone Company are reducing the staff employed on line work in Sunderland; that there is plenty of work to be done in this particular department; and, if so, can he state what action he is taking in order to see that the system is kept fully efficient up to the time of the taking over of the undertaking by the Government?
§ Mr. BUXTONThe reduction of the National Telephone Company's staff at Sunderland had not before been brought to my notice. If he will give me specific information I will make inquiries. As regards the general difficulties of the telephone situation and the steps I am taking to meet them, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 30th ultimo to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, of which I am sending him a copy.