§ 24. Sir J. D. REESasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that a fire raged for over half an hour in the premises of Messrs. M. Jacoby and Company, at Day-brook, because it was found impossible to establish telephonic communication with the exchange at Nottingham, three miles away, in order to summon the fire exchange; that a message was ultimately got through on a private wire, whereby the motor fire-engines were obtained and the fire brought under control; whether he is aware that complaints are constant in Nottingham of the inefficiency of the telephone service since the Government assumed its management; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure the provision of an efficient service?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELMy attention has been drawn to the facts in connection with the fire to which the hon. Member refers, and a searching investigation is now being made into the cause of the failure to effect communication. Apart from the disorganisation caused by the snowstorm in January, there is no indication of any diminution in the efficiency of the telephone service at Nottingham since the management was handed over to the Post Office.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the inefficiency of the service at Nottingham has reached such a pitch that a soft answer like that given in no degree turneth away wrath; and will the right hon. Gentleman improve that efficiency of the service in the interests of the business of a great city?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI believe that I have received no complaints from Nottingham except those from the hon. Member himself across the floor of the House.