§ 59. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the disadvantages under which farmers suffer from having no telephone at the post office at Good Easter; and whether he can see his way to have a telephone installed in the post office there?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir William Mitchell-Thomson)A public telephone at Good Easter would, under existing conditions, have to be connected with an exchange some miles distant and I should not be justified in providing one except under guarantee. There is, however, a possibility that a new rural exchange will be established in the vicinity; and, in that event, it seems likely that a public telephone could be provided at Good Easter without a guarantee.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the Postmaster-General aware that Good Easter is seven and a-half miles away from the nearest railway station anti that the farmers there are very badly handicapped at the present time in this respect; and can he see his way to expedite this matter?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI have said that there is a possibility that a new rural exchange will be established before very long, and in that case I hope it will be possible to do something in the matter.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYWhen is this likely to happen?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONPerhaps it would be appropriate to suggest 1973 that the hon. and gallant Gentleman should address another question to me after Easter.