asked the Postmaster-General whether it is intended to establish telephonic communication between Great Britain and the Channel Islands?

The possibility of providing a telephone service between Great Britain and the Channel Islands is being examined, but I am not at present in a position to make any definite pronouncement on the subject.

Is it not a fact that this proposition has been under consideration for a considerable time?

It may have been, but the developments in telephonic engineering are making it clear that once more the matter ought to be gone into. Up to now, we have not been able to carry out the work of laying a new cable, but it is now thought that it may be possible to change one of the lines of telegraphic cable into a telephonic service.

Is there a date when a decision on the subject may be expected?

If the hon. Member will ask a question on the subject after Easter, I may be able to give a reply.