Oral Answers to Questions — Post Office. – in the House of Commons am ar 17 Ionawr 1924.
Mr John Mills
, Dartford
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?
Commodore Henry King
, Paddington South
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.
Mr John Mills
, Dartford
Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that that answer is in direct Opposition to the opinion given by the Dartford Chamber of Commerce?
Commodore Henry King
, Paddington South
I have given the reply to my hon. Friend's question.
The Opposition are the political parties in the House of Commons other than the largest or Government party. They are called the Opposition because they sit on the benches opposite the Government in the House of Commons Chamber. The largest of the Opposition parties is known as Her Majesty's Opposition. The role of the Official Opposition is to question and scrutinise the work of Government. The Opposition often votes against the Government. In a sense the Official Opposition is the "Government in waiting".
