§ Mr. MACPHERSONasked the Post master-General whether he will now consider the advisability of reducing the number of subscribers before a system of rural telephones is installed in a district from a minimum of eight to a minimum of six, in view of the importance of the telephone to the agricultural industry?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNA substantial loss is being incurred on exchanges already opened under the scheme for rural telephones to which the right hon. Member refers. I regret that I do not feel justified at present in proposing a reduction of the minimum of eight subscribers now required.