§ 53. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the demand made by the owner of a block of flats known as. Warwick Chambers, South Kensington, for the immediate removal by the Post Office of all telephones connected to the tenants occupying flats in the said building; and whether he will see that no steps are taken by his Department to deprive the tenants who have agreements with the Post Office of their telephones?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir William Mitchell-Thomson)I am advised that the landlady in this case is acting within her legal rights in requiring the removal of the telephone at the flats, and I have no option but to comply. Provision is made in the subscribers' agreements for summary termination if way-leave difficulties arise. I regret the unfortunate position in which the tenants find themselves, and I am considering the possibility of introducing legislation to meet such cases.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that several of these tenants have had agreements with the telephone department of the Post Office for many years, and has any reason been given to the Post Office for this very highhanded action on the part of the landlord?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative.
§ Colonel DAYMust the Post Office authorities remove any telephone wires when a landlord asks them to do so?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI should require notice of a general question like that.