§ 44. Mr. DAWESasked the Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones from commercial firms, companies, and private individuals, respectively, in the London area are outstanding, and what is the present average length of time between the making the application and the installation of the telephone?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Illingworth)1,506 orders were outstanding at the end of April. In many other cases applicants have been informed that contracts for telephone service could not be accepted at present for such reasons as shortage of underground wires, or exchange plant, or excessive amount of work involved. I am unable to classify applicants under the heads specified by the hon. Member. The average delay in completing a circuit after the acceptance of a contract is about seventeen days.