asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now in a position to state when it is intended to establish telephonic communication between Great Britain and the Channel Islands?

I am advised that a telephone service, though possibly a restricted one, could be provided by the use of an existing telegraph cable, and I am about to inquire of the island authorities whether they would be prepared to co-operate in such a scheme.

Is it the intention of the Department to lay a fresh cable to the Channel Islands?

No, Sir.