§ Mr. FFRENCHasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that complaints have been made by subscribers to the Telephone Exchange with reference to communications between Wexford and Dublin; is he aware that the trunk wire between Wexford and Dublin has been frequently out of order, and completely out of order at least two days a week for several months past; and, seeing the inconvenience and expense caused to the people of Wexford, will he look into the matter as early as possible and see that the telephone service between Wexford and Dublin is put in proper order?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI regret that the telephone service between Wexford and Dublin has recently suffered through interruptions of the trunk line. The engineering officers have been giving special attention to the matter, and every endeavour will be made to provide a more satisfactory service.
§ Mr. HICKS BEACHasked the Postmaster-General what steps are being taken to accelerate the installation of a telephone service to farmers; and when the service is likely to be opened?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe rural party-line service is at the present time available for farmers and other residents in any rural district where a sufficient number of subscribers who comply with the conditions can be obtained. Steps are being taken by canvassing and the distribution of circulars to bring the matter under the notice of rural residents. The Board of Agriculture and the Agricultural Organisation Society are also co-operating in this work. Arrangements have730W already been completed for several rural lines on the revised terms, and I anticipate that a considerable number of such lines will be provided in the near future.