Telegraphic Communication (Scotland)

61.

Mr. PIRIE
asked the Postmaster-General if he can state what progress has been made in his promised investigation into the question of establishing more efficient telegraphic communication with the North of Scotland, as outlined by him last Session?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL
Steps are being taken in several directions to deal with the question, but I would prefer to postpone making a statement until I am in a position to give more definite information than is yet possible.

Mr. PIRIE
Will the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the Treasury to the fact that the unanimously adopted resolution of the Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom has not been carried out?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL
Certain communications are passing between the Post-Office and the Treasury, but to avoid misunderstanding I had better say they are not in connection with the expenditure of £130,000 on underground cables, but in respect of other proposals dealing with the matter.

Mr. J. M. HENDERSON
Is this system as efficient as the underground system?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL
I hope the hon. Gentleman will allow me to make my statement a little later. I cannot give a full reply now because these communications are passing now with the Treasury.