HC Deb 17 June 1912 vol 39 cc1308-9
56. Mr. GOLDSMITH

asked the Postmaster-General whether a reduction has taken place in the staff employed at the Gerrard Exchange since the Government have taken over the telephone service; and, if not, whether he can give any reason for the inconvenience caused to subscribers during the present year by the inefficient working of the exchange?

Captain NORTON

There has been no reduction, but, on the contrary, an increase, in the number of the staff employed at the Gerrard Exchange since the Government took over the National Telephone Company's service. From the information at my disposal, I do not think that any material deterioration in the service at that exchange resulted from the transfer; but the changes which were necessary at other London exchanges and the interruptions to the overhead lines acquired from the company, which were caused by a heavy snowstorm, caused exceptional difficulties in connection with the Metropolitan service generally during the first three months of the present year. Since then, however, the service at the Gerrard Exchange has, I am assured, been at least equal to the service during the corresponding period of last year. The exchange is somewhat congested, as the company, in view of the approaching termination of their licence, did not provide the additional accommodation required. Steps are being taken to provide relief at the earliest possible moment, and when this has been done the service will be much improved.

Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUART

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I attempted to telephone three times last Saturday morning, and was advised that the telephone had broken down?

Captain NORTON

That simply bears out the statement I have made. I have explained how these delays arose.

Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUART

Is the snowstorm still causing a breakdown?

Captain NORTON

The Noble Lord evidently did not listen to the last part of my answer. I said the exchange is somewhat congested, as the company, knowing of the approaching termination of their licence, did not provide the additional accommodation required, and steps are being taken to provide relief at the earliest possible moment. When this has been done the service will be much improved.

Viscount HELMSLEY

Have facilities been given to the representative of any publication to inquire into the working of the telegraph system—

Mr. SPEAKER

The Noble Lord must give notice of that question.