§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINasked the Postmaster-General whether he is withdrawing from local authorities certain privileges in regard to the use of telephones in connection with fire brigade stations and similar public purposes which were allowed by the National Telephone Company; and, if so, whether he will reconsider his decision and afford the local authorities the same facilities as previously and at the same rates?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)Telephone lines were in many cases provided for local authorities by the National Telephone Company, either without charge or at reduced rates, in return for wayleaves in streets and public roads, in respect of which the company possessed only the limited statutory powers which the Postmaster-General was empowered to delegate under the Telegraph Act of 1892, but in respect of which the Postmaster-General has full powers. I am advised that in view of the general obligation imposed by the Telegraph Acts not to show favour or preference in charging for service, I am unable to continue these privileges; but I am, of course, prepared to maintain the services in question at the ordinary tariff rates.