Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction expressed by the Port-of-Spain Municipality at the action of the Government in 2158W forcing through a measure granting an extension of 20 years on the lease of the telephone service; whether he is aware that the municipality requested that the Bill be suspended, pending further consideration; and whether he will take action now to postpone the measure coming into force until the question has been reviewed?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI am aware of the representations made by the Port-of-Spain City Council on the subject of the extension of the franchise for the telephone service in Trinidad. The attitude of the city council was fully stated in the Legislative Council when the Bill was under discussion but was not generally supported by the unofficial members of that council, a majority of whom voted for it. The Ordinance came into force in December last and after full consideration of all the circumstances I saw no grounds to intervene in the matter.