§ 37. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Postmaster-General whether he has considered the memorandum which he has received from the National Farmers' Union of Scotland in which suggestions were made for the extension of the telephone service in rural areas; and whether he proposes to act in accordance with these proposals?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI have considered the memorandum referred to; but I regret that for the reasons explained in my statement in the House on the 31st March last, I am not prepared to adopt the proposals put forward in it.
§ 39. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Postmaster-General how many canvassers are employed by his Department for the furtherance of the telephone service?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe number is slightly over 400.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs that enough?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI think so.
§ Colonel DAYHow are these men paid? Are they paid salary or salary and commission?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI should like notice of that question.
§ 40. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the many facilities of the Post Office in the matter of telephone service, aerial mail, etc., are not fully known or appreciated by the members of the public, he will suggest that the British Broadcasting Corporation occasionally make known these facilities for the financial benefit of his Department and of the public generally?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONTalks concerning the telephone service and other services conducted by the Post Office have been broadcast on a few occasions as matters of general public interest; but I do not-consider that it would be advisable to use the broadcasting service regularly as an advertising medium for Post Office facilities.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill the right bon. Gentleman consider using it occasionally, because many of the facilities which the Post Office offers are really not known to the general public?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI will certainly consider the possibility of having further talks, but the hon. Gentleman will realise, and is no doubt as anxious as I am, that it is very important that the broadcasting service should not be used for general advertising purposes.