§ Mr. ROYCEasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the great inconvenience and loss to farmers and produce merchants owing to the lack of telephones at the railway stations in South Lincolnshire and adjacent districts; whether the practice of notifying the arrival of trucks is now through the post and that, owing to the late delivery of letters, at least a day is lost; whether this loss would be greatly modified if telephones were established at the various stations; whether the telephone would obviate many miles of travelling and of cartage if by telephone it could be ascertained that trucks were available for the loading of produce; and whether he will direct that telephones shall be established at all goods stations between March and Helpringham, between Peakirk and Old Leake, between Sutton Bridge and Bourne, and between Bourne and Sleaford?
§ Mr. NEALMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport is considering this question, but the expense involved would be very considerable, and could not in normal circumstances be justified. I am afraid I can hold out little hope of the farmers' and producers' request being agreed to.