§ 50. Mr. INGLEBYasked whether complaints have been made in some of the villages adjacent to King's Lynn as to the method adopted in extending to them the telephone system and as to the charges made for its use; whether he is aware that the charge at Marham is 2d. for a message to Swaffham, with which place there is no business connection, and 5d. for a message to King's Lynn, which is the centre of all the business of the district; whether similar complaints have been received from the two Massinghams; and whether, before the system is completed, he will consider if he can better adapt it to the needs of the locality?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI am aware of the complaints referred to, and I regret that at the moment I am unable to offer communication with King's Lynn at a lower rate than that mentioned. I hope, however, that under the proposed revision of rates and charges, which will be made public shortly, it may be possible to put forward a scheme which will meet the objections raised. The cost of providing a direct telephone circuit from Great Massingham or Marham to King's Lynn would not be justified by the business.
§ Sir PHILIP MAGNUSWhy is it that these arrangements are made; and is it beyond the competence of the Post Office to remedy the anomaly referred to in the question: Where a charge, in one case, of 2d. is made for a message to a place with which there is no business connection, and 5d. for a message to a town which is the centre of the business of the district?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThat is merely a repetition of the question on the Paper which I have endeavoured to answer.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSI should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will really put his back into these things and have them remedied?