§ 26. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the number of telephones per 100 inhabitants in the United States is 14.2 and in 221 Canada 11.6, in both cases where the telephone system is the result of private enterprise, compared with 3.28 in Great Britain under State control, he will endeavour to evolve a more intensive campaign, by publicity or otherwise, to increase the number of subscribers?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONMy hon. Friend may rest assured that the Post Office takes energetic steps to increase the number of telephone subscribers, which is growing at the rate of nearly 10 per cent. per annum. About 400 officers are engaged in canvassing for new subscribers, and their work is supplemented by the distribution throughout the country of pamphlets and by the exhibition of posters. In addition, telephone exhibits have been arranged at industrial fairs and exhibitions in London and the provinces.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that the announcement which appears in this morning's papers is on the right lines?
§ Mr. THURTLEDoes the Postmaster-General think that the people of the United States of America are necessarily any happier because they have more telephones?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINThey have no Labour party!