§ 57. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Postmaster-General whether, with regard to the communication he has received 1791 from the Woodham Ferrers Parish Council asking for the provision of a direct telephone line from Woodham Ferrers to Wickford, he is aware that a call has to go at present via Maldon, Chelmsford, and Brentwood, and that there are numerous complaints about the delay; and, seeing that the doctor resides at Wickford, will he take steps to provide a better telephone line as soon as possible?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL: (Mr. Lees-Smith)The Chelmsford-Brentwood route is used for calls between Woodham Ferrers and Wickford only exceptionally, when there is pressure on the normal route. I regret that there are not enough calls to justify the provision of a direct circuit between Woodham Ferrers and Wickford.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYWill the Postmaster-General look into this matter as it is causing a great deal of delay and inconvenience?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHI have looked into it, and perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will allow me to tell him that we are proposing to open a circuit shortly between Southend and Brentwood, which will relieve the situation.