§ Mr. Henry Clarkasked the Postmaster-General what is the estimated average net cost per mile of putting telephone wires underground and removing the telegraph poles in country districts; and what savings in maintenance and repair costs can be expected on lines which have been put underground.
§ Mr. Edward ShortIn favourable conditions, the average cost in country districts of providing a small-sized underground cable is about £820 per mile, but, in difficult areas, the cost can rise to £4,500–£5,000 per mile. Annual savings66W in maintenance costs vary between £16 and £35 per mile depending on the cable-laying methods used.