Mr. STRAUSSasked the Postmaster-General whether he will explain why so many men in the works department of the telephone service have been suspended, when at the same time there is such a heavy arrear of work awaiting execution?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension in supposing that heavy arrears of post office telephone work are awaiting execution. On the contrary, the arrears have recently been largely reduced, and a considerable number of new works have been authorised in advance of immediate requirements. I am inquiring whether there have been any suspensions recently.