HC Deb 18 February 1915 vol 69 cc1312-3
36. Mr. ROWLANDS

asked the Postmaster-Generel whether a considerable number of subscribers in the south-western district are still deprived of the use of their telephones in consequence of the snowstorm which occurred on 21st January; and, if so, can he state when the damage will be repaired and the subscribers have the use of their telephones?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Hobhouse)

Out of the 11,000 telephone lines in the south of the Metropolitan area which were put out of service by the snowstorm on the 22nd January, some 2,000 are still unrepaired. Great efforts are being made, by the engineering staff to push on the work of restoration, which will, I hope, be practically completed by the end of this week.

Mr. ROWLANDS

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a proportionate reduction in the annual subscription of those who have been deprived of the use of their telephone under these circumstances?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

That is a very attractive proposition from the point of view of the owner, but, on the other hand, these repairs must be taken into consideration when the telephone rates are fixed.