§ Sir C. CAYZERasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the advertisements calling the attention of the public to the advantages of the telephone system, his Department is in a position to carry out all orders received without delay 7
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONTelephones are being installed at the rate of over 17,000 a month, and, except in a comparatively limited number of cases where way leave consents are being negotiated or where the completion is awaited of works in hand for the provision of additional underground plant or switchboard accommodation, orders for telephone service are being met without delay.
§ Sir C. CAYZERasked the Postmaster-General the number of canvassers employed by the Post Office to inform the public of the benefits of the telephone and to popularise its use; and whether, in view of the large amount of business which may be thus obtained, he is employing all the energies of his Department in expediting the carrying out of the orders on hand?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe number of canvassers at present employed is 399. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. HAYESasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been 257W drawn to the resolution on telephone development passed by the council of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce on the:3rd instant; and what action he proposes to take to improve, develop, and popularise the telephone service of this country in both the local and trunk branches of the telephone service?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI have seen the resolution to which the hon. Member refers and am replying to it. The development and improvement of the telephone service is already proceeding rapidly under a highly organised Canvassing Department and the activities of the responsible technical officers of the Post Office. I can assure the hon. Member that the whole subject is receiving, and will continue to receive, my close personal attention.