§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Postmaster-General whether he has received an application from those who rent telephones in Navan, county Meath, that, having regard to the charges levied for trunk calls, local calls to any extent should be free; and whether he will grant their request?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELNo such application as is mentioned in the question has yet reached me. I may, however, say at once that I could not accept any suggestion that local telephone service should be given free because charges are made for the use of trunk lines.
§ Mr. FLAVINasked the Postmaster-General whether he has inquired into the necessity of extending the trunk telephone lines from Limerick to Tralee so as to take in the important towns of Listowel, Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West, and Rathkeale; whether he is aware that owing to the business done, including fairs and markets, in these towns the extension of the telephone system would be a great boon; and, if so, what action does he propose to take in the matter?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe necessary inquiries on this subject are not yet completed, but they are being expedited, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to give him any definite information in the matter.
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§ Mr. DUNDAS WHITEasked the Postmaster-General what is the number of female telephone operators employed at telephone exchanges in Glasgow; what percentage of them have been absent from duty through illness during the last six months; and what are the corresponding numbers and percentages in the other branches of post office work in Glasgow where female workers are employed?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELSeven hundred and ten female telephonists were employed at Glasgow during the six months ended 30th April last, and during that period 48 per cent. of them were once or oftener absent from duty through illness. During the same period, 36 per cent of 237 female sorting clerks and telegraphists, and 41 per cent. of forty-four female clerical assistants were similarly absent.
§ Mr. RONALD M'NEILLasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the parish council of Wickhambreaux, Kent, passed a resolution on the 2nd of May, calling upon the Government to establish telephone facilities in that village; and whether he will take steps to afford such facilities there without delay?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI have received a copy of the resolution referred to and I am causing inquiry to be made to ascertain whether sufficient support is forthcoming to justify an extension of the telephone system to Wickhambreaux.