§ 91. Mr. EDWARD WOODasked the Postmaster-General if he will state when it is proposed to proceed with the telephone exchange at Yoxall, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, in the Hanley area, contracts for which were entered upon by private subscribers on 16th May and 29th August of last year?
§ Captain NORTONOnly three persons at Yoxall offered to hire exchange lines when a canvass was made last year, and I fear that this support is insufficient. The case is, however, being considered in conjunction with proposals for an Exchange at King's Bromley, and a decision will be given as soon as possible.
§ 92. Mr. EDWARD WOODasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the delay in proceeding with telephone extension at Hampsthwaite, near Harrogate, for which agreements have been signed; and when it may be expected that the work will be undertaken?
§ Captain NORTONI understand that the question refers to a proposed exchange at Birstwith, near Hampsthwaite, for which five persons have offered to hire exchange lines. It is doubtful whether this support is sufficient to justify the undertaking, but I hope to be able to give a decision shortly.
§ 96. Sir J. D. REESasked the Postmaster-General when a reduction of telephone rates will be effected; and when a zone system will be introduced rendering telephones in Middlesex available for communication with London, for which purpose they chiefly exist, without the exaction of trunk rates for calls at distances hardly exceeding ten miles?
§ Captain NORTONMy right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement in respect of the proposed modification of the telephone tariffs at an early date.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the Postmaster-General aware that meanwhile the telephones in Middlesex attached to the Watford area are practically useless?