§ Mr. JESSONasked the Postmaster-General when it is proposed to provide the same automatic telephone system for London that has been installed in most of the great industrial centres throughout the country; and the cause for the delay in this much needed reform in the London telephone service?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe provision of a system of automatic exchanges for so large an area as London presents peculiar difficulties. It is proposed to instal one922W automatic exchange as soon as possible, and I hope the experience thus obtained may make it possible to frame a complete scheme. The existing exchanges would be replaced gradually, and it would be some years before an automatic system for the whole of London could be completed.
Lieut.-Colonel BELLasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that telephone facilities are very urgently needed in the neighbourhood of Berwick Bassett, in the county of Wilts; that repeated applications to his Department have been made without effect by residents in this locality; and if he will give the matter favourable consideration?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHEstimates are being prepared and terms will be quoted as soon as possible to the persons interested. As the expenses in connection with small exchanges are now much heavier than formerly, I fear that it will be necessary to ask for subscriptions considerably higher than the current tariff charges.