asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that Dartford is excluded from the London telephone area and that, in size and importance, it exceeds towns which are included; and, having regard to the paper mills and factories connected with London and the fact that 80 per cent. of the calls are for the London area, if he will favourably consider its inclusion?

In the unavoidable absence of my right hon. Friend, who is suffering from influenza, I have been asked to answer this question. The exclusion of Dartford from the London telephone area for administrative purposes does not in any way affect the efficiency of the service between subscribers in that town and those in London. Calls are operated and completed exactly as if Dartford was, in fact, included in the London area. As a rapid and efficient service is given under present arrangements I do not propose to alter them.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that that answer is in direct opposition to the opinion given by the Dartford Chamber of Commerce?

I have given the reply to my hon. Friend's question.