Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the serious inconvenience caused to the business people of Middlesbrough residing at Marton owing to the delay in opening out the telephone exchange there, which has been repeatedly promised in successive years; and will he take the necessary steps to secure the prompt fulfilment of these promises?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe need for a telephone exchange at Marton has been recognised for some time, and I regret that it has not been possible to adhere to the programme forecasted in the answer to the hon. Member's question of the 9th May last. Great difficulty has, however, been experienced in obtaining a site for a new telephone exchange. This difficulty has now been overcome; and the necessary legal arrangements are on the point of completion. The hon. Member may rest assured that the erection of the building and the installation of the telephone equipment will be pressed forward with all possible speed.