Mr. G. THOMPSONasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the inconvenience being caused to the public by the delay ill completing certain road excavations in Torquay in connection with the laying of cables; whether this work can be expedited; and whether, in future, such work undertaken by the Post Office can be co-ordinated with similar work by the local authorities?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNThe excavations were made in connection with alterations to Post Office cables necessitated by the works of other undertakers. They could not be completed satisfactorily until certain road works had been effected; unfortunately, a consignment of pipes Was damaged in transit on the railway, and this has delayed the work, but it should be completed within a few days of the receipt of the new pipes. It is the practice of the Post Office to co-ordinate its work, wherever practicable, with similar work undertaken by local authorities.