HC Deb 15 July 1924 vol 176 cc204-5
44. Mr. J. HARRIS

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulty which residents of Stamford Hill are experiencing in securing a telephone service; whether he is aware that some of these residents have been waiting for periods of over three months in order to obtain an installation of a telephone; and what action does he propose to take in the matter?

Mr. HARTSHORN

So far as I am aware all demands for telephone service in the Stamford Hill district are met on the average in less than three weeks; and I shall be glad if the hon. Member will give me particulars of the cases to which he refers where residents have been waiting for three months

Mr. HARRIS

Is it not on record in the right hon. Gentleman's Department that one potential subscriber at least has been waiting for five months?

Mr. HARTSHORN

I received a communication from my hon. Friend relating to, I think, Mr. Woolaston. I have made inquiries and there is no record in any of the branches of the Department of this gentleman having made application. He can be supplied with a telephone if he desires it, and I have directed the officials to ascertain as to this.

Mr. HARRIS

May I send the right hon. Gentleman the correspondence?

Major HORE-BELISHA

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great conflict between the information in the possession of his Department and the experience of people who make complaints, and will he take steps to ascertain the point of view of the consumer?

Mr. HARTSHORN

I have stated before that I should be very pleased—if hon. Members will supply me with particulars—to have what is necessary done in cases where there is real cause for complaint.