§ 74. Mr. MEYSEY-THOMPSONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the feeling that exists in the borough of Smethwick in favour of a continuous telephone service, in view of the urgent necessity for some means of giving information in cases of sudden outbreaks of fire occurring at night or on Sundays; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELA continuous telephone service already exists at the Smethwick Exchange, and will be maintained.
§ 71. Mr. DENMANasked the Postmaster-General for the total sum which it is now agreed shall be paid to the National Telephone Company in settlement of their claim under the purchase agreement?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe award of the Railway and Canal Commission assessed the value of the National Telephone Company's plant, property and assets purchased by the Post Office at £12,515,264. The company were also allowed their costs in the valuation proceedings. An appeal against two items of the valuation was lodged by the Post Office, and a cross appeal against the award generally by the company. Under an arrangement made between counsel, subject to Treasury approval, the appeal and cross appeal were withdrawn on condition that the purchase price of the plant and other property should be reduced by £45,000, and the company should waive the payment of their costs, for which a claim of £122,000 had been made. The total sum payable to the company was therefore reduced to £12,470,264, which compares with the original claim of the-company of £20,924,700 for plant, etc., and £122,000 for costs.