HC Deb 04 April 1911 vol 23 c2173W
Mr. H. W. FORSTER

asked the Postmaster General if Dartford, in the County of Kent, is within the London area of the the National Telephone Company; and how many subscribers there are on the Dartford exchange?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The greater part of the town of Dartford is just outside the London telephone area, the boundaries of which are the same for the National Telephone Company as for the Post Office. The number of subscribers lines on the Post Office Dartford Exchange is forty-eight. The National Telephone Company have an exchange known as their "Dartford Exchange," situated about one mile from the centre of the town and just within the London telephone area. It serves Bexley and other places as well as Dartford and has about 100 subscribers' lines.

Mr. H. W. FORSTER

asked the Postmaster-General, if he would undertake that, when the system of the National Telephone Company is taken over by the State, Dartford shall be included within the London area for all telephone purposes?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I have received, through the hon. Member for Dart ford, a numerously signed memorial on this subject from users of the telephone between London and Dartford, as well as a letter from the local chamber of commerce. These representations are now under consideration.