§ Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Postmaster-General if he will consider the installation of a telephone exchange or call office at Micheldever station, in Hampshire; and if he is aware that such accommodation is required owing to the necessary delay in the delivery of telegrams from a distant telegraph office, and that hours could be saved in the delivery of telegraphic messages in an important agricultural centre if a telephone service were installed?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSTelegraph delivery offices exist at Micheldever station and village, and I am informed that the delivery service is generally satisfactory. I will ascertain on what terms an exchange or call office could be provided at Micheldever station. The district is already served telephonically by a rural party line. Subscribers can, of course, arrange for their telegrams to lie delivered by telephone.