Captain CLAYasked the Postmaster-General whether he can give instructions to the telephone authorities to form an exchange at Hunton, near Maidstone, at an early date, in compliance with a long-delayed promise, owing to the need of fruit growers and others obtaining improved communication with the market; and whether the delay is caused by the impossibility of obtaining an operator to perform the duties at a salary of £13 per annum?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI am glad to say that satisfactory arrangements can now be made for attendance at the proposed exchange at Hunton. The work will accordingly be proceeded with at once, and I hope the exchange will be opened before the fruit season begins.