§ Colonel MILDMAYasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the representations addressed to him by all local government authorities in the North of Scotland by the Scottish Divisional Council for Demobilisation and Resettlement, as well as by the Highlands Reconstruction Committee, as to the serious disadvantage resulting from the absence of telephonic communication in Northern Scotland to the agricultural and fishing interests, in connection especially with the settlement in industry of ex-service men, he will consider the possibility of extending the telephone system northwards from Tain to Wick on the North Coast?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe question of extending the trunk telephone system northwards beyond Tain has been given close consideration. The expense of such an undertaking would be very heavy, and I regret that it cannot be proceeded with unless a guarantee be forthcoming on the lines already communicated to the local authorities.