§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the increasing furniture trade carried on at Mere, in Wilts, with every part of Great Britain, and the development of the milk industry in the neighbourhood, he can see his way to satisfy the desire expressed by traders, farmers, and professional men for the provision of telephonic facilities there?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe extension of telephonic facilities to Mere is dependent upon the opening of an exchange at Gillingham, where, unfortunately, I have not yet been able to find suitable accommodation. The matter will not be overlooked.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the Postmaster-General whether he was aware of the inconvenience suffered by the traders and inhabitants of the town of Mere, in Wilts, owing to the lack of postal facilities, whereby letters despatched there from London are sent to Bath, thence, after transfer, by train to Wincanton, and thence 6½ miles journey by road to Mere, although Gillingham station on the main London and South-Western Railway line is only 4½ miles distant, whereby all telegrams are sent there viâ Shepton Mallet, a small village in Somerset, and whereby letters posted at 5 p.m. in Salisbury, only 24 miles distant, are not delivered at Mere until 2 p.m. the following day; and whether, in view of the restriction upon trade and inconvenience involved, he could take steps whereby the present postal arrangements at Mere and the neighbouring villages will be improved?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI have already under consideration the question of improving the postal service in this locality, and I will communicate further with the hon. Member as soon as a decision has been arrived at.