asked the President of the Board of Trade what allocation of imported poles suitable for the electricity supply industry has now been made; and to whom the allocation was made, and the numbers involved.

Allocations of telegraph and transmission poles have been made for the first quarter of' 1947 as follow:

How many were sent to the Post Office?

None.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Postmaster-General always makes the excuse when we ask for telephones in rural areas that he cannot get poles?

Under the very stringent shortages at present existing, it is believed that the need for electricity is greater.