Captain FABERasked the Postmaster-General why the telephone, promised at King's Somborne, in Hampshire, in February last, has never been put in; whether there is any chance of its being done; and, if so, when?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI cannot ascertain that any promise was given in February last to install a telephone system at King's Somborne. Application was made some time ago for the provision of rural party lines, and a canvass was made accordingly, but there has been considerable difficulty in securing the necessary number of subscribers. Sufficient support has at length been obtained, and the service will be provided as soon as I have funds at my disposal for the purpose. I may explain that, in consequence of the gratifying response to the revised terms recently offered for rural party lines, the funds granted by the Treasury for the experimental provision of such lines have been exhausted, but I am communicating with the Treasury with the view of obtaining a further Grant.