§ Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Postmaster-General whether he has taken exception to the reassessment of the telephone system within the Rochford Union of Essex; and, if not, why he has objected to paying the rates in respect of any increase which the reassessment has involved?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI assume that the hon. Member refers to the telephone lines taken over from the National Telephone Company. In regard to these lines the Government have decided to pay contributions in lieu of rates on the assessments as they stood on the 30th June last; and if the lines within the Rochford Union have been reassessed since that date the new assessments cannot be recognised. The assessments accepted by the Government are not subject to modification as wires are added or removed.