HC Deb 24 July 1923 vol 167 cc219-20
64. Major CADOGAN

asked the Post master-General whether he is aware that a large percentage of the mistakes made by telephone operators is due to the similarity in sound of the numerals 9 and 5, and also owing to the fact that the names of the exchanges, such as Paddington and Kensington, are often confused for the same reason; if he will consider whether, in the first instance, some system of re-arranging the numerals can be devised in order to obviate the confusion; and whether, in the second instance, the names of the exchanges which are liable to be confused can be altered?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Recent observations showed that 8.6 per cent. only of wrong connections were due to phonetic similarity between the numbers 5 and 9. The matter has been investigated from time to time, but it would be impracticable to eliminate either numeral entirely from the switchboard, and no alternative has yet been discovered which would be likely to meet with general public acceptance. Great care is taken in the choice of names for exchanges, but in an area such as London, served by 100 exchanges, it is difficult to find names wholly dissimilar in sound. Very little difficulty appears to arise in connection with the names Paddington and Kensington, and as they so correctly describe the areas they serve I do not propose to introduce any change.

Major CADOGAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow me to render him a monthly return, showing how often Paddington and Kensington are confused on my telephone?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I should be very glad to have the information.

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that three out of five calls on my telephone are wrong through the confusion of the names of these exchanges, Paddington and Kensington?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The figures given by me are the result of very careful checking, and they show 8 per cent. not three out of five as the hon. Member says.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Does the right hon. Gentleman approve of the innovation which has just been made, namely, the repetition of recurring numerals in telephone calls, and does he think it quicker to say"six o o eight"than"six double o eight"as was previously done?