§ Captain GEEasked the Postmaster-General how telephone numbers are allotted, priority of application or otherwise; and if he has considered the advisability of selling prominent numbers, such as 1, 100, 1,000, 2,000, etc., by auction to the highest bidder?
§ Viscount WOLMEROn existing exchanges telephone numbers allotted are dependent upon the numbers available for single or multiple groups of lines, consideration being given to service requirements. In the case of automatic exchanges, the use of which is being extended, four digits are ordinarily necessary for the operation of the system, and it is also necessary to equip special blocks of numbers for subscribers renting groups of exchange lines. This necessitates from time to time a change of number when a subscriber varies his requirements. The suggestion made by the gallant and hon. Member is therefore impracticable.