HC Deb 07 March 1933 vol 275 cc992-3
43. Mr. DORAN

asked the Postmaster-General if, in order to provide work for many thousands and minimise the risk of interrupted telephone service due to gales, he will consider the advisability of arranging that part of the Post Office profits should be devoted to laying the main telephone lines underground instead of replacing or extending the present overhead system which disfigures the countryside

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTE-GENERAL (Sir Ernest Bennett)

The main system of telephone trunk lines in this country is already in underground cable to the extent of over 90 per cent.— a higher proportion than in any other country in the world. The telephone service has to be self-supporting, and the rate of substitution of underground for overhead lines must be governed by economic considerations. Substantial progress is being made within the limits so imposed.

Mr. DORAN

In view of the enormous profits made by the Post Office, is it not possible to devote a certain amount of this money to putting the cables underneath the ground?

Sir E. BENNETT

The hon. Member did not listen to my answer. I said 90 per cent. are already underground.

Mr. McGOVERN

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Postmaster-General to see that there is no monkeying about with these poles?