§ Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked the Postmaster-General whether any progress has been made with the negotiations with local authorities to instal a telephone service from Dublin to Sligo, looping up the towns of Mullingar, Longford, Carrick-on-Shannon, and Boyle en route; whether any estimate of the cost of such a scheme has yet been made; and, if not, when he will be in a position to give a definite answer on this matter?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)The extension of the trunk telephone system to Sligo has been completed and the new line is being brought into use to-day. As I explained in my answer to a question of the hon. Member on the 28th March last, the extension has been made from Enniskillen in accordance with the agreement for a local guarantee, and the line therefore does not pass through the other towns mentioned by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. FARRELLThat is exactly my point. Has the right hon. Gentleman yet considered the question of extending the trunk system from Mullingar to Sligo?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThere were no guarantees.
§ Mr. FARRELLThe right hon. Gentleman said he would inquire whether the guarantees could be got from the local authorities and the counties. Did he do so, and with what result?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIf the hon. Gentleman puts down a definite question I will answer. My impression is no definite guarantee was forthcoming.
§ Mr. LARDNERIs it not a fact that in some instances where guarantees were given they have not been acted upon?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELNo, Sir. I do not think so.
§ Mr. LARDNERWere not adequate guarantees given in the case of the Cavan extension, and not acted upon?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe matter has been under the consideration of the Treasury, and if the hon. Member will put down a specific question on Tuesday next I shall endeavour to answer him.
§ Mr. FARRELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware the people of Sligo asked to have a telephone extension for Mullingar?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe people of Sligo have got a telephone.
§ Mr. FARRELLYes, but by the wrong end.