§ Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked the Postmaster-General whether any further steps have been taken by his Department to secure the extension of the trunk telephone line from Mullingar, where it now is, to Longford, Boyle, and Sligo, thus connecting the main line between Dublin and Sligo; and, if not, when he expects to be in a position to make a definite statement on this matter, which has now been nearly ten years under consideration?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am now in a position to proceed with an extension of the telephone trunk line system from Mullingar to Longford without guarantee if twenty-five subscribers can be obtained to an exchange at Longford. Inquiry will also be made as to the number of subscribers to be obtained for an exchange at Carrick-on-Shannon, but the question of a further extension to that place and to Boyle and Sligo must depend upon the arrangements for the extension to Longford.