§ 33. Mr. HURDasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the pressing need of a cheap and self-supporting telephone service in rural districts, in the absence of which British agriculturists are out of immediate touch with their markets; and whether he will institute something more than a departmental inquiry into the means whereby such a service is provided in competitive agricultural countries such as Canada and the United States?
56. Sir J. D. REESasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the evidence accumulating on all sides to the effect that State management is disastrous to the State, there is any prospect of reversion to private management in respect primarily of the telephone service?
§ 57. Mr. LYNNasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the universal feel- 267 ing of indignation which exists in the country because of the proposal to increase the cost of the telephone service; that as the cost increases the inefficiency of the service also increases; and whether, in the interest of the public, he will appoint a Select Committee to consider the terms on which the telephone undertaking can be transferred to a private company?
60. Mr. DOYLEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the general dissatisfaction amongst users of telephones throughout the country at the new scale of charges and conditions imposed upon them, an inquiry will be instituted by a competent and independent tribunal into the whole administration and interior organisation of the telephone system by the Post Office; and whether in the meantime the new rates and charges will be suspended?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand this subject will be discussed fully on the Address, to-morrow.