asked the Postmaster-General to what extent since 1920 machince have been substituted for hand clerical labour in the Post Office, London, telephone service; and what is the estimated annual saving deriving from the substitution, allowance being made for the purchase and/or renting of machince, maintenance thereof, and material used in connection therewith?

Since 1920, about 100 machince have been introduced in substitution for hand clerical labour, at an estimated net annual saving of about £14,000.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, although all telephone calls to Wooler, Belford and Adderstone originated through Chatton exchange go through Alnwick exchange, the charge for calls to Alnwick is 4d. while that to Wooler, Belford and Adderstone is only 1d.; and will he arrange for the charge to Alnwick to be reduced to 1d.?

The charges for calls are based on the direct distance between the calling and called exchanges, and I cannot, of course, grant preferential treatment to any particular locality. Calls from Chatton are routed via Alnwick because at present the traffic does not warrant the provision of direct junctions, but I am sorry that I cannot regard this fact as justifying a charge of 1d. for a call between Chatton and Alnwick.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the facilities offered to subscribers at the Chatton exchange are so primitive that they are not worth more than a penny a call?

I do not think that that is so. The volume of business rather disproves that statement.