§ Mr. Holdsworthasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that severe snowstorms and high winds invariably cause serious telegraphic delay, particularly to news services; whether, to avoid that state of affairs, telegraph lines of all classes in all exposed parts are to be put underground; and whether he is prepared to take the necessary action for this improvement to be carried out forthwith?
§ Major TryonI am aware that interruption of telegraph lines sometimes occurs owing to stormy weather. Approximately 80 per cent. of the total telegraph wire mileage owned by the Post Office is now underground, including circuits on all the main trunk routes; and although additional lines are placed underground whenever circumstances warrant, I regret that financial considerations prohibit the immediate placing of all lines underground in exposed places.