§ 34. Sir R. THOMASasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that many villages and scenes of natural or artificial beatuy are disfigured by telegraph poles; and whether, in view of the economic value of such places as attractions to tourists, he will circularise local authorities announcing his willingness to consider means for the removal, where possible, of disfigurements for which his Department is responsible upon the receipt of suggestions from the local authorities concerned?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONEvery endeavour is made to preserve amenities but it is essential to the development of the telephone service that the costs of construction and maintenance should be kept low. I regret I should not be justified in incurring unremunerative expenditure in removing existing pole lines. I am willing to consider any suggestions made by local authorities provided that the cost of removal does not fall on the Post Office.