§ Mr. DICKSONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that in the East Kilbride and other rural districts of Lanarkshire there is urgent necessity for increased telephone facilities among the farming community; that the present annual charges to subscribers in scattered areas prevent farmers from having the telephone installed; and whether he will consider a reduction of rates in such areas in order to meet the situation?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHIt is my desire that the telephone service should be developed to the furthest possible limits, and extensions have been made recently on a large scale especially in rural areas. I regret that financial considerations do not at present permit of a reduction in charges.