66 and 67. MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINEasked the Postmaster-General if he will state (1) how many new poles will be required for the extension of the telephone from Pitlochry to Blair Atholl, and what is the average estimated price; and what is the estimated price of the wire and other plant required and the estimated cost of erection; and (2) what is the estimated cost of erection of the extension of the telephone from Pitlochry to Blair Atholl, using existing telegraphic plant?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELAbout 160 new poles would be required for the proposed telephone line between Pitlochry and Blair Atholl. The cost of the five and a half miles of new pole line would be approximately £430. This includes the cost of poles, arms, and other accessories and the labour charges. The total cost of the junction line and of the exchange equipment at Killiecrankie and Blair Atholl would be about £740. Existing telegraph wires cannot be used for this extension. I am considering whether the extension cannot be carried out on more favourable terms than those lately propesed, which, I understand, have not been accepted. But Treasury sanction would be required.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the possibility of using the existing telegraph posts?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI should like notice of that.