77. Lieut-Colonel ACLAIMD-TROYTEasked the Postmaster-General whether he is prepared to assist the agricultural interests by an extension of the telephone system in rural areas and by making a reduction in the charges in these areas?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Viscount Wolmer)New rural exchanges are opened as soon as a minimum of eight subscribers is forthcoming. During the last three years, 668 rural exchanges have been opened under this system, and 78 more have been authorised. Special facilities are also offered to farmers and others for the co-operative use of party lines in rural districts. The loss on these services has to be borne by the general body of subscribers, and I regret that I cannot at present see my way to propose further reductions in the charges for service in rural areas; but the matter is engaging my constant and careful consideration.