§ Mr. PETOasked whether the right hon. Gentleman can now indicate the nature of the control and rates for telephone facilities that will be in force after the Post Office take over the telephones on 31st December next; whether a flat rate for entire annual service will be granted; and, where measured rates are charged, whether the present very high rates charged by the National Telephone Company will be reduced?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe important matters of telephone policy to which the hon. Member's question relates cannot be dealt with within the limits of a Parliamentary answer. I would refer him to my reply on 27th February to a deputation representing a large number of local authorities, in which these subjects were fully discussed, and a copy of which I will send him.