§ Mr. REMERasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the great discontent in the Borough of Macclesfield at the administration of the telephone system in that borough; that applications made over two years ago by a large silk manufacturer, and a prominent doctor, have received no attention; that the local view is that the administration centre, being many miles away at Hanley, is the cause of the trouble; and whether, in view of the serious position, he will appoint a local committee, under the chairmanship of the mayor, to inquire into these excuses raised by the telephone authorities at Hanley?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe difficulty in meeting demands for telephone service is, I regret to say, not confined to Macclesfield. It is mainly due to the suspension of development during the War. There is no justification for the view that Macclesfield has been neglected because of its distance from the administrative centre and no useful purpose would, in my opinion, be served by a local inquiry such as that suggested by the hon. Member.