§ Mr. REMNANTasked if it is the intention to allow the members of the National Telephone Company's staff to count their service in that company as service with the State on the transfer of the undertaking?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIn accordance with the undertaking given in the Memorandum read in this House on the 9th August, 1905, by the then Postmaster-General, persons who were in the National Telephone Company's employment on the 1st January, 1910, will be entitled to count the last two years of service with the company as service under the Crown.
§ Mr. REMNANTWhen the right hon. Gentleman brings the matter forward for transfer will there be a full opportunity for discussing it?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELYes. The question is dealt with in the Telephone Transfer Bill, which I hope to introduce shortly after Whitsuntide.
§ Mr. REMNANTShall we have full opportunity of discussing it?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI understand so.
§ Mr. MACMASTERasked who is responsible for the administration of the telephone service in London aid Westminster; and whether the Government has assumed control of what was known as the national service?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELTelephone exchange service in London and Westminster is provided both by the National Telephone Company and by the Post Office. Under the agreement made in 1905 the company's exchanges are to be purchased by the Post Office at the end of this year.