HC Deb 05 April 1922 vol 152 cc2240-1
74. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the working of the Conferencia method for long distance calls in Spain: and whether he is prepared to give the subscribers in this country the benefit of a similar arrangement in the trunk service?

Mr. PEASE

I understand that the Conferencia method referred to is one by which the attendance at a specified time at a public call office of a non-subscriber can be arranged by means of a notification transmitted at a special rate. My right hon. Friend has not seen his way to make the system of "fixed time" trunk calls which came into operation on Monday last as notified in the Press applicable to calls to or from a call office as the availability of a call office at a specified time cannot be assured; the matter will be further considered.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Surely what is possible to the Spanish Post Office is equally possible to the British Post Office?

Mr. PEASE

We have no information that there is a method called the "Conferencia." The hon. Member must be mistaken in regard to that.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Can the hon. Gentleman ask through the Foreign Office whether they will find out what the system is?

Mr. PEASE

I think the hon. Gentleman has made a mistake about the particular term.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

As I have already tried it in Spain, may I give the hon. Gentleman further particulars?