§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that a communication has been received from the Post Office by Messrs. Newton and Wright, Limited, electrical and scientific instrument makers, to the effect that, in consequence of rearrangements, their factory at 471, Hornsey Road, is to be connected with the Hornsey exchange instead of the Islington exchange, with the result that they will be obliged to pay 2d. a call instead of 1d., 1962W as formerly; can he explain why the Post Office finds it necessary to double the charge with which the National Telephone Company were content for many years; and, having regard to the difference which this increase must make to business firms, will he cause the question to be reconsidered?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe premises of the firm in question are situated in the area which is proper to and has, since 1907, been served by the Hornsey Exchange, their existing circuit to the North Exchange having been provided by the National Telephone Company in 1905, before the Hornsey Exchange was opened. Now that the telephone systems in London are combined, it is necessary to connect subscribers with the exchanges proper to the localities in which their premises are situated. I am, however, communicating with this firm, and trust that a satisfactory arrangement as to fees will be arrived at.