HC Deb 23 November 1970 vol 807 cc17-8
20. Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will give a general direction to the Post Office to take steps to improve the supply of exchange equipment from the contractors to the telephone exchanges.

The Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (Mr. Christopher Chataway)

No, Sir. Procurement of equipment is a matter for the Post Office.

Mrs. Oppenheim

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are over 800 people on the waiting list for telephones in Gloucester as a result of progressive delays in the supply of exchange equipment by the contractors? How many contractors are involved nationally in the supply of exchange equipment to the Post Office? What will be the effect of this shortage on the implementation of Section 2(h) of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act?

Mr. Chataway

There are, I understand, three main suppliers. The Post Office, for which this is a management matter, is doing all it can to speed up the supply of equipment and I am informed, is having a good deal of success. I hope—and have every reason to believe—that this will not stand in the way of the supply of telephones to the chronic sick.

Mr. Richard

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, which repeated that given by his hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury last week, may we take it that the Government have no intention of either repealing or amending the Post Office Act so as to exclude the statutory power which the Post Office at present has to manufacture this equipment, if it sees fit to do so?

Mr. Chataway

The Post Office has not put to me any proposals for manufacturing equipment of this kind, and, therefore, that is not a matter at issue. May I take this opportunity of congratulating the hon. Member for Barons Court (Mr. Richard) on his appointment.

Mr. Richard

I am grateful for the right hon. Gentleman's congratulations. May I now have an answer to my Question, in which I asked for an assurance that the Government have no intention of amending or repealing this part of the Act?

Mr. Chataway

We have no proposal at the moment for amending or repealing the Act.

Mr. Richard

I asked for the Government's intention.