§ Mr. ASTORasked the Postmaster-General whether the National Telephone Company are refusing to supply applicants with telephones on the Gerrard Exchange, and whether the Post Office is refusing to supply applicants with telephones on the Mayfair Exchange; and, if 1840 so, whether he will take immediate steps to enable inhabitants in the neighbour-hoods of those exchanges to instal instruments?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)I understand that the existing equipment at the National Telephone Company's Gerrard Exchange is working to its full capacity; and the same is practically true of the Post Office Mayfair Exchange. New apparatus is, however, now being added at Mayfair to provide accommodation for additional subscribers, and is expected to be ready next month. As soon as the Gerrard Exchange comes into my hands steps will be taken to provide additional accommodation there also. The company state that they are unable to undertake any extension at present.